The Delta State police command has arrested two suspects in separate operations targeting cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and recovered four live cartridges and one expended cartridge among other items.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, said a suspected cultist was arrested on Saturday at about 4:45 p.m. 

He stated, “Acting on credible intelligence, trailed and arrested one Adogbeji Johnson, alias “Highman,” aged 37 years, in Abraka.”

He stated that the suspect, believed to be a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Aiye, was being investigated for suspected involvement in cultism and armed robbery. 

“A search of his Toyota Sienna vehicle led to the recovery of one locally made cut-to-size firearm, two live cartridges and one cutlass,” Mr Edafe said. 

He added that the suspect was in custody, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Mr Edafe said in a separate incident on Saturday at about 3:30 p.m. an anti-kidnapping unit along with officers of Ogwashi-Uku Division, the Civilian Anti-Cult Unit, Ubuluku, and vigilantes, conducted a joint raid at Ubulunor. 

“The operation led to the arrest of one Musa Mohammed, aged 20 years, suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities. 

“Two live cartridges and one expended cartridge were recovered,” he said. 

He added that the suspect was in custody while investigations continued.