The Delta State Police Command has intensified its offensive against cult-related violence, arresting eight suspects and recovering firearms and other incriminating items during separate operations across the state.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on credible intelligence to raid a suspected criminal hideout in Issele-Uku, where seven alleged members of the Maphite confraternity were apprehended.
According to the command, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects admitted to belonging to the cult group, which is accused of terrorising residents of Issele-Uku and neighbouring communities.
The police recovered a double-barrelled gun, seven live cartridges, a cutlass, seven Android phones and a Maphite beret during the operation.
In a separate operation in Abraka, police foiled a suspected gathering of criminals along Omoni Road and arrested a suspect identified as Wale Morakinyo.
A search of the suspect’s bag led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges.
The police said all eight suspects are in custody while investigations continue. The command added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the criminal group.
