Nigerian Army Troops Apprehend Suspected Viking Cult Member in Delta State Operation

In a decisive move to combat rising cultism in Delta State, soldiers from the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, attached to Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have captured a 26-year-old man believed to be an active member of the notorious Viking secret cult group. The arrest took place in the quiet Ezionun community, located in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area, on July 19, 2025.

The suspect, identified as Igbe Lucky Chika, was taken into custody during a targeted patrol by vigilant troops responding to intelligence reports about suspicious activities in the area. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to curb cult-related violence, which has long plagued many communities in the Niger Delta region, including Delta State.

Details of the Arrest and Recovered Items

During the apprehension, security forces discovered several incriminating items in the possession of the suspected cultist. These included a locally fabricated pistol, a sharp axe, a long cutlass, two mobile phones believed to be used for coordinating cult activities, and a Toyota Camry vehicle bearing the registration plate Delta ASB 41 BE. These recoveries underscore the dangerous nature of cult groups, often armed with makeshift weapons and vehicles for quick mobility during clashes or criminal operations.

Preliminary inquiries conducted by the military revealed strong links between the suspect and the Viking confraternity, a group infamous for rival clashes, intimidation, and other violent crimes across universities and communities in southern Nigeria. The Viking cult, also known as the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, has been involved in numerous incidents of territorial disputes with rival groups like the Aye (Black Axe) and Eiye confraternities, leading to loss of lives and property.

The arrested individual is currently undergoing further interrogation and is set to be transferred to relevant law enforcement agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force, for deeper investigation and possible prosecution. This step ensures that due process is followed while maintaining the chain of evidence.

Commander's Commendation and Call for Public Support

Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, the Commander of the 63 Brigade and Sector 1 of Operation Delta Safe, expressed high praise for the troops involved in the operation. He highlighted their dedication, tactical efficiency, and adherence to rules of engagement, noting that such professionalism is key to sustaining peace in the region.

"The soldiers demonstrated exceptional commitment in this arrest, contributing significantly to our mandate of securing lives and property," General Shonibare stated. He further appealed to residents of Delta State and surrounding areas to partner with the military by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities. "Public cooperation is vital in our fight against cultism, cybercrime, oil theft, and other threats to national security," he added.

Operation Delta Safe, launched years ago to address insecurity in the oil-rich Niger Delta, has evolved to tackle a broad range of issues, including pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, and cult violence. The 63 Brigade's recent actions, including this cultist arrest alongside a separate raid that netted over 180 suspected internet fraudsters in Warri, demonstrate the multi-faceted approach to restoring order.

The Broader Issue of Cultism in Delta State

Cultism remains one of the most persistent security challenges in Delta State, Nigeria. What often begins as campus-based secret societies in tertiary institutions like Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka quickly spills into surrounding communities, fueling gang wars, armed robbery, and drug-related crimes. Groups like Vikings, Aye, and Eiye recruit young people with promises of protection and power, only to drag them into cycles of violence.

In 2025 alone, security agencies in Delta State have recorded multiple arrests related to cult activities. For instance, police operations have disrupted initiation ceremonies and recovered firearms from suspected members of rival groups. The Nigerian Army's involvement through OPDS complements police efforts, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where cultists often hide.

Experts attribute the rise in cultism to factors like unemployment, poor parenting, peer pressure, and the glamorization of violence in music and social media. Communities in places like Abraka, Warri, Ughelli, and Sapele have suffered from frequent clashes, leading to curfews and heightened fear among residents.

The government and security forces continue to emphasize preventive measures, including awareness campaigns in schools, community engagement programs, and stricter penalties for cult-related offenses under Nigerian law. The Cultism (Prohibition and Punishment) laws in various states prescribe severe punishments, including long jail terms, for membership or involvement.

Implications for Security in the Niger Delta

This latest arrest by the Nigerian Army sends a strong message to cult groups operating in Delta State: no hideout is safe. With the recovery of weapons and a vehicle, authorities hope to trace networks that supply arms to these gangs, many of which are locally made in blacksmith workshops across the region.

Residents of Ezionun community and Abraka have welcomed the news, expressing relief that proactive military presence is deterring criminal elements. Local leaders have called for sustained patrols and intelligence-sharing to prevent reprisals.

As Delta State strives for peace amid its rich oil resources and vibrant population, operations like this one under the watchful eye of the 63 Brigade reinforce hope. The Nigerian Army's commitment to Operation Delta Safe ensures that efforts against cultism, fraud, and other crimes will persist, fostering a safer environment for economic growth and daily life.

The capture of this suspected Viking cult member is a victory in the broader war on cultism in Delta State. It reminds us that collective vigilance—from citizens reporting tips to security forces acting swiftly— is essential for lasting security. As Brigadier General Shonibare urged, everyone has a role in building a cult-free society.