Operatives of the Delta State Police Command on Sunday, 19 July 2026, foiled a suspected initiation ceremony by members of the Black Axe confraternity (Aye) in Orogun Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, recovering firearms, ammunition, seven vehicles and other items.
According to a statement made available to journalists on Monday, July 20, 2026 by the Police Public Relations Officer SP. Bright Edafe, disclosed that officers from the Quick Response Squad (QRS) acted on credible intelligence and moved into a forested area in Orogun in the early hours. On sighting police, suspected cultists opened fire, but were repelled by the operatives’ superior tactical response. The suspects fled into the adjoining bush along the Abbi–Abraka area.
During the operation, police recovered one pump-action gun, a cut-to-size double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges and two expended cartridges during a subsequent search of the scene. Also seized were seven vehicles, six mobile phones, suspected cult regalia and other personal effects abandoned by the fleeing suspects. All exhibits remain in police custody, the statement added.
Delta State Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers for the successful intelligence led operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism and violent crime. He appealed to members of the public to continue supplying timely and credible information to assist security efforts in Delta State.
Edafe, however revealed that efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects are ongoing.