Delta State Police Command has arrested 67 suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, during an alleged cult anniversary celebration in Asaba.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females, were arrested at a hotel along Abraka Road following intelligence that members of the group had gathered for the event, according to the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, October 15, involved personnel from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU).
Police said the operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets branded with cult symbols.
In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, police arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 males and one female, over suspected links to the same confraternity.
Three other suspects, identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24, were arrested at a suspected criminal hideout in Jeremy community, Ughelli South Local Government Area. The operation was carried out by the Command Anti-Cultism Unit in collaboration with a civilian anti-cult group.
The police said two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms were recovered during the operation.
In Jeddo community, Okpe Local Government Area, operatives also arrested 10 male suspects over alleged cult-related activities.
The coordinated operations across Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe resulted in the arrest of 95 suspected cultists and the recovery of five firearms, alongside 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges.
Edafe said the suspects and recovered items remained in police custody as investigations continued.
The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, commended the operatives and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify operations against cult groups across the state.
He warned that the command would not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace and urged residents to provide credible information to assist security operations.
