The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested 11 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons during a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.

Police authorities said the operations, carried out in Asaba, Ughelli and Ethiope-West Local Government Area, form part of an intensified crackdown on cultism, illegal arms possession and violent crimes in Delta State.

Police raid alleged cult hideout in Asaba

According to the command, operatives of the Buffalo Patrol Team raided a suspected cultist hideout at Eagle Square along Okpanam Road in Asaba on 14 May.

The police said the location was allegedly being used for cult-related activities.

During the operation, officers arrested seven male suspects and two female suspects. Authorities also recovered one Beretta pistol, a battle axe and a cutlass.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command said the suspects and recovered items had been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation.

“The operation led to the arrest of seven male suspects and two female suspects during which one Beretta pistol, one battle axe, and one cutlass were recovered,” the statement said.

Pump-action gun, live cartridges recovered on highway

In a separate operation on the Ughelli/Patani Road, operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol Team intercepted a Lexus Jeep during a routine stop-and-search exercise.

Police identified the driver as Felix Ike.

A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of an English-made pump-action gun and 40 rounds of live cartridges.

The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.

Security analysts say the interception highlights growing concerns over the movement of illegal firearms through major transport corridors in southern Nigeria.

Suspected cult kingpin arrested in Ethiope-West

Police also announced the arrest of Christopher Ogidigbo, 28, who authorities described as a suspected kingpin of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC).

The arrest was carried out by operatives of the command’s Anti-Cult Unit following what police described as “credible intelligence”.

Authorities said a locally made revolver pistol was recovered from the suspect during the operation in Ogharaefe Town, Ethiope-West Local Government Area.

Investigators are now probing the suspect’s possible links to other criminal activities across the state.

Why the crackdown matters

Cult-related violence has remained a major security concern in several parts of Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.

Security experts warn that the proliferation of illegal firearms continues to fuel gang rivalries, armed robbery, kidnappings and community violence.

Residents in some communities have repeatedly called for stronger police action against criminal networks operating in urban centres and highway corridors.

The latest arrests are likely to reassure residents concerned about rising insecurity and violent crimes linked to cult groups.

Police commissioner praises operatives

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended officers involved in the operations.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and illegal weapons possession across the state.

“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to combating cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and other criminal activities across the State,” the statement added.

What happens next

Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as intelligence gathering continues.

Authorities have also urged residents to provide useful information that could help security agencies dismantle criminal networks operating in the state.

The Oyo State Police Command says it has begun forensic analysis of a viral video linked to a recent abduction incident in the state, as authorities intensify efforts to rescue the victims safely.

In a statement issued on Saturday, police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said investigators are examining the footage to verify its authenticity and gather evidence that could assist ongoing operations.

The Command said the review would support efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.

“The footage is presently undergoing comprehensive forensic examination to determine its authenticity and further aid ongoing investigations, rescue operations, as well as the identification and arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement said.

The police did not disclose the number of victims involved or the exact location of the abduction, but reassured residents that security agencies were working to secure the release of those abducted.

Security Agencies Intensify Rescue Operations

According to the police, intelligence-led and tactical operations are continuing in collaboration with other security agencies.

Authorities said the priority remains the safe rescue and reunification of the victims with their families.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment towards ensuring the safe return and reunification of all abducted persons with their families,” DSP Olayinka said.

Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security concern across several parts of Nigeria, with incidents increasingly spreading beyond traditional flashpoints into new regions.

Security analysts say the growing circulation of videos linked to abduction cases on social media has added pressure on law enforcement agencies while also increasing the risk of misinformation.

Police Warn Against Sharing Unverified Information

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to avoid circulating unverified reports or materials that could create panic.

The statement warned that false or misleading content could complicate rescue operations and heighten public tension.

“Members of the public are equally advised to refrain from sharing unverified information, misleading contents, or materials capable of heightening tension and creating unnecessary panic,” the statement added.

Residents were also encouraged to provide credible information that could support investigations and rescue efforts.

Why It Matters

The latest incident highlights continuing concerns over insecurity and abduction cases in parts of Nigeria, where families often rely heavily on security agencies for rapid intervention.

Experts say forensic analysis of digital evidence, including videos and phone records, has become increasingly important in tracking criminal networks and verifying claims made online during kidnapping incidents.

Public cooperation, analysts add, can significantly improve response times during rescue missions.

Emergency Contacts Released

The police asked residents with useful information to contact the authorities immediately through the following emergency lines:

Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

The Command said it remains committed to restoring normalcy and ensuring all individuals connected to the incident face prosecution under Nigerian law.

Gunmen have abducted several pupils, students and school staff during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, prompting the police to launch a large-scale rescue operation.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of Friday, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School alongside L.A Primary School in Esiele, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

Police said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and carried out simultaneous assaults on the schools and nearby communities.

Among those abducted was the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.

Authorities said there was no confirmed report of any pupil or student being killed as of the time the statement was issued.

However, an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was shot dead during the attack. An okada rider was also reportedly killed after resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.

Police launch rescue operation

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, visited the affected communities shortly after the incident alongside other security commanders.

According to the police, tactical teams, intelligence units and operational assets have been deployed across the area to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said:

“Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.”

Police also revealed that the attackers stole a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before setting it ablaze on a road leading into the forest.

Why the attack matters

The latest school attack has renewed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities where security infrastructure is limited.

Over the past few years, armed groups have increasingly targeted schools for kidnappings, often seeking ransom payments from families or authorities.

Security analysts say attacks on schools continue to disrupt education, create fear among parents and contribute to rising school dropout rates in vulnerable communities.

Residents in Oriire and nearby areas are now calling for increased security presence around schools and major roads.

Community fears grow

Parents and residents in the affected communities are said to be in shock following the attack.

Local education advocates warn that repeated incidents of school violence could discourage attendance, particularly among younger children in rural areas.

What the police are asking residents to do

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist rescue efforts.

Emergency contact numbers released by the command include:

Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614

07055495413

What happens next

Security operations are expected to continue across Oriire Local Government Area and surrounding forests as authorities intensify efforts to locate the abducted victims.

There is currently no official confirmation on the number of people kidnapped.

Residents are also awaiting further updates from the Oyo State Government and security agencies regarding rescue operations and additional security measures for schools.