The Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, during a tactical operation in Ekraka Community forest, Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area. The operation was conducted on December 20, 2025, following credible intelligence that the cult members were planning an initiation ceremony.

The police recovered several firearms, including two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, and one single-barrel cut-to-size gun, as well as a battle axe, aprons bearing "NBM" insignia, razor blades, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs. Seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by the cult group were also recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri ¹ ² ³.

The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine their individual roles, dismantle the network, and track down other fleeing members. The Delta State Police Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crime, urging residents to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information ⁴ ⁵ ⁶.