Police foil cult initiation ceremony in Delta, recover firearms, ammunition
Delta State Police Foil Suspected Cult Initiation Ceremony
Operatives from the Delta State Police Command’s Quick Response Squad intervened in a suspected cult initiation ceremony in a forest within the Orogun community of the Ughelli North Local Government Area.
During the operation, authorities recovered a pump-action gun, a cut-to-size double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, two expended cartridges, seven vehicles, six mobile phones, suspected cult regalia, and other personal belongings.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to media representatives in Warri.
“The Delta State Police Command has successfully disrupted a suspected cult initiation and recovered various firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and other evidence during an intelligence-led operation in Orogun,” he stated.
The police acted on credible intelligence early on Sunday, July 19, 2026. According to SP Edafe, they received information indicating that members of the Black Axe Confraternity (Aye) were engaging in an initiation ceremony. Upon arrival, the operatives encountered resistance as the suspects opened fire. The police forces countered effectively, compelling the suspects to retreat into a nearby forest along the Abbi–Abraka axis.
A search of the area yielded several items, including a pump-action gun and various personal effects left behind by the fleeing suspects.
SP Edafe confirmed that all recovered items are currently in police custody, adding that efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Delta State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, praised the operatives for their successful operation and reiterated the Command’s dedication to intelligence-led policing and combating cultism and other violent crimes. He also encouraged community members to provide timely and credible information to aid in ensuring the safety of Delta State.
