Operatives of the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have apprehended seven suspected members of the notorious Maphite Confraternity as part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related activities and other violent crimes across the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, revealed this in a statement signed and released to journalists in Warri on Wednesday. He said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects admitted to being members of the dreaded Maphite Confraternity.
According to the PPRO, “on July 27, 2026, operatives of the Command Anti kidnapping Unit, while acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout at Issele-Uku, and arrested Promise Esenjor (26) of Abavo, Wisdom Victor (23) of Umunede, James Wisdom (25) of Agbor, Chinedu Munonye (22) of Issele-Uku, Onyemakonor Collins (20) of Agbor, Unah Oluchi (21) of Agbor, and Azomani Favour (23) of Issele-Uku”.
Police said items recovered during the operation included a double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, a cutlass, a Maphite cult beret, seven Android phones, and other incriminating exhibits.
Edafe added that investigations into the case are still in progress.
In another operation, officers attached to the Abraka Division, acting on credible intelligence on July 27, 2026, “foiled a planned gathering of suspected criminals along Omono Road, Abraka”.
The PPRO stated that while several suspects escaped after noticing the police, one suspect, Wale Morakinyo (27), was arrested. A search of his bag resulted in the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges.
The police said the suspect remains in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling cultism and other violent crimes. He also appealed to residents to keep providing credible and timely information “to support ongoing efforts to keep Delta State safe”.
