The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists and a gun runner in separate operations across the state, recovering locally made firearms, ammunition, and live cartridges.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Edafe, the first operation took place on October 25, 2025, when a resident of Aviara community, under the Oleh Division, reported a video shared on a WhatsApp group named “Real Men”, allegedly showing activities of members of the Eiye confraternity.
Acting on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Keme Osuluku, launched a discreet investigation that led to the arrest of Donatus Odovo (29) of Aviara community on October 26, 2025.
Further investigation resulted in the apprehension of Zachariah Okeh (36), identified as the alleged leader of the cult group.
A search conducted at Okeh’s residence led to the recovery of one locally made double-barrel gun, one locally made single-barrel gun, and six live cartridges.
The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the group.
In a separate operation on October 27, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), during a stop-and-search duty along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, intercepted a Toyota RAV4 vehicle with registration number EPE 189 GN, driven by Mordi Emmanuel (45) of No. 74, Family Estate, Asaba.
During a routine check, officers found an envelope containing one fabricated Beretta pistol (breech No. 5182207) and four live rounds of ammunition.
Acting on directives from the RRS Commander, CSP Nosa Alex, a follow-up search was conducted at the suspect’s residence, where police recovered one pump-action shotgun (breech No. 20-R-3921) and four live cartridges.
The suspect and all recovered exhibits are currently in custody as investigations continue.
