By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected cultists and recovered assorted firearms and dangerous items during a tactical operation at Ekraka Community Forest in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended following intelligence reports that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation ceremony in the forest.
Police sources said the intelligence was received on December 20, 2025, prompting the Commander of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), SP Collins Achem, to mobilise operatives to forestall the suspected criminal gathering.
At about 11pm, the QRS team stormed the location but came under gunfire from the suspects on sighting the operatives.
The police were said to have responded tactically, overpowering the suspects after a brief gun duel, which led to the arrest of 13 of them, while others escaped further into the forest.
A search of the area resulted in the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun and one single-barrel cut-to-size gun.
Other items recovered include a battle axe, aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, charms, several mobile phones and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The police also recovered seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group during their operations.
The vehicles were towed to the QRS Base in Warri for further investigation.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine their individual roles and dismantle the cult network.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the group.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crime in the state.
The command also called on parents, community leaders, schools, faith-based organisations and youths to support the fight against cultism through guidance, positive engagement and timely sharing of credible information with security agencies.