Delta State Police have dealt a major blow to cult-related violence, dismantling a suspected killing network linked to recent clashes in Ughelli. The operation, carried out by the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led to the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of firearms and other deadly weapons.
According to the Delta State Police Command, the crackdown is part of an intensified effort to tackle cultism and violent crime across the state. Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, ordered an intelligence-led manhunt following a series of deadly clashes in Ughelli and surrounding areas.
Acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson, first arrested two suspects, who confessed to membership of the notorious Supreme Vikings Confraternity. During interrogation, the suspects provided actionable intelligence that enabled the police to apprehend six additional individuals.
The newly arrested suspects include Richard William, 28, from Uwheru; Onorode Pius, 27, from Otor-Udu; Sunday Jakpor, 20, from Orhunwhun; Victory Ogbemudia, 25, from Oleh; Raymond Arhiakpore, 39, from Agbara; and Precious Wanogho, 34, from Orogun. A locally made firearm and four live cartridges were recovered from the initial suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed their involvement in the murder of Alex Adanike, 37, on 15 January 2026 at Iwhrekpokpo, Ughelli North LGA.
In a separate operation on 26 January, CP-SAT operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout at Irapa, Sapele, arresting three additional suspects: Kome Temienoro, 25, of Jesse; Ogaga Omogene, 17, of Ugbuwe; and Biokoro Francis, 42, of Okogborode. Police recovered a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, illicit drugs, and a white Toyota Venza reportedly used for criminal activities.
The police are profiling the suspects to determine the full extent of their criminal activities and possible links to cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. CP Adesola reassured residents that the manhunt will continue and urged the public to provide timely and credible information, promising strict confidentiality.
The arrests follow another recent case in Delta State where a 28-year-old man allegedly killed his friend over a dispute connected to internet fraud, highlighting the ongoing challenge posed by criminal networks in the region.
