…. 12 Suspected Cultists Arrested in Jesse
The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against violent crimes across the state, with the death of two suspected kidnappers following a gun duel and the arrest of 12 suspected cultists in Jesse.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to intensify intelligence-led operations after a series of reported kidnapping and armed robbery incidents around the Upper Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs.
Acting on credible intelligence, the team led by ASP Julius Robinson extended its investigation to Rivers and Imo States, where two suspects, Abubakar Musa (28) of Ajase town, Kwara State, and Yusuf Sale (25) of Rimin-Zayam town, Bauchi State, were arrested in Port Harcourt and Owerri on October 2 and 4, 2025, respectively.
During interrogation, the suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North LGA, where the police recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.
However, while exiting the area, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from other members of the gang who attempted to rescue their arrested accomplices. A fierce exchange ensued, resulting in gunshot injuries to both the suspects in custody and some of their collaborators. Two police operatives also sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The injured suspects were taken to the hospital but were confirmed dead while receiving medical attention.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation targeting cult-related violence, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), acting on intelligence on October 5, 2025, raided a hideout along Sylvester Street, Jesse Town, Ethiope West LGA. The location was allegedly being used as an assembly point for cultists before attacks on rival groups.
During the raid, 12 suspects, including Mudiaga Obey (20), were arrested, and a Beretta pistol with one live round of ammunition was recovered.
SP Edafe Bright assured that the Command remains resolute in its mission to rid Delta State of criminal elements and restore peace across all communities, adding that investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnap gang and other accomplices.
