In a significant operation, the Delta State Police Command successfully rescued a 25-year-old woman who had been kidnapped and arrested five individuals connected to various violent crimes, including kidnapping and cult-related activities.

On October 3, 2026, police operatives acted on credible intelligence and mobilized to Usiefrun Community, where they discovered the victim had been assaulted and held captive. The primary suspect, identified as Brotugbare Francis Onome, aged 29, was apprehended at the scene. During the operation, law enforcement recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol, a magazine, and two rounds of live ammunition.

The police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the details in a statement released to journalists in Warri, emphasizing the ongoing investigation into the incident. "The victim was rescued, while the main suspect was arrested. Investigation is ongoing," Edafe stated.

In a related incident on October 1, 2026, the Abraka Division received reports of a conspiracy to kidnap a woman in the area. Following further intelligence, two suspects, Endurance Akpade, aged 37, and Edwin Friday Morgan, aged 43, were taken into custody by police operatives alongside members of civilian anti-cult groups. These suspects are currently assisting the police with their inquiries.

Additionally, on the same day, operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) responded to a viral video showing suspected cultists celebrating the murder of another individual. This led them to a hideout in Oghara, where they arrested Ezekiel Sunday Izomor and Emmanuel Ogaganefe, both aged 23. They are linked to the cult-related killing of a 25-year-old man named Godfrey, who was murdered at Jesse Main Market in Ethiope West Local Government Area on March 24, 2026.

During this operation, police seized a battle axe, four cutlasses, and a hammer. Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the fleeing suspects, known as Collins, was attempting to ascend to a leadership position within the Aro Bagger Confraternity and had conspired with the arrested individuals to eliminate a rival cult member.

The police are still pursuing Collins and another accomplice, Richman, who is believed to be close to the victim. The arrested suspects are currently in custody, cooperating with the ongoing investigations.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, praised the swift actions of the police operatives and emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing in combating kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes. He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement efforts. Furthermore, he advised the youth to steer clear of cultism, highlighting its destructive impact on their futures.