The Delta State Police Command has successfully foiled a suspected cult initiation ceremony allegedly organised by members of the Black Axe Confraternity, popularly known as Aye.The command’s spokesman Bright Edafe who confirmed the development said the police recovered firearms, ammunition, seven vehicles and other incriminating exhibits during a major security operation in Orogun Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area.The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, followed credible intelligence reports indicating that suspected cult members had converged in a forest within Orogun for an initiation exercise.According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS) swiftly mobilised to the location and launched a coordinated raid on the hideout.Edafe disclosed that upon sighting the advancing police team, the suspected cultists opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest.However, the operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the suspects to abandon the ceremony and flee into the adjoining forest along the Abbi-Abraka axis.A thorough search of the area subsequently led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one cut-to-size double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, two expended cartridges, six mobile phones, suspected cult regalia and several personal belongings believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects, he said.Edafe added that the police also recovered seven vehicles allegedly linked to the suspected cultists, all of which have been taken into custody for further investigation.The police image maker confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects connected to the aborted initiation ceremony.Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery in thwarting the suspected initiation exercise, describing the operation as a testament to the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-led policing.He reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid Delta State of cultism and other violent crimes, warning criminal elements that there would be no safe haven for their activities within the state.The police boss also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community collaboration remains vital to ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing security and maintaining peace across the State.
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