Operatives of the Delta State Police Command foiled a suspected cult initiation ceremony conducted by the Black Axe Confraternity (Aye) in a forest within Orogun Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The operation, led by the Quick Response Squad (QRS), took place on Sunday, according to the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police.
Police Intercept Initiation After Intelligence Report
Speaking on Monday in Warri, Edafe explained that the operation was intelligence-driven. “Acting on credible intelligence that members of the Black Axe Confraternity (Aye) were conducting an initiation ceremony in a forest within Orogun, operatives of the QRS stormed the location,” he said. Upon sighting the police, the suspected cultists opened fire but were repelled by the superior tactical response of the police. The shootout forced the criminals to flee into the adjoining forest on the Abbi–Abraka axis.
Exhibits Recovered From the Scene
Edafe listed the exhibits recovered at the venue: one pump-action gun, one cut-to-size double-barrelled gun, seven live cartridges, and two expended cartridges. Additionally, seven vehicles, six cell phones, suspected cult regalia, and other personal effects were abandoned by the fleeing suspects. All items are now in police custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police Commissioner Commends Operatives, Urges Public Support
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their courage and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to curbing criminality in the state. He also urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to keep Delta safe.
