JUST IN: Edo special security squad arrests nine suspected cultists

The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested nine suspected cultists and recovered firearms in Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

This was made known by the Coordinator of the Squad, Idemudia Noah, in a statement on Thursday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua.

Noah said the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders after credible intelligence was received from residents.

According to him, operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, 2025, following a distress call that members of a cult group were terrorising residents.

“On arrival, our men moved swiftly and arrested nine suspects. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two Baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns, and live AK-47 ammunition,” Noah noted.

He explained that the arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting a threat to peace in the community.

He added, “Prior to this operation, we had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi. Our raid not only led to their arrest but also exposed the dangerous weapons they used to perpetrate crime,” Noah added.

The coordinator further revealed that preliminary investigations point to the suspects being members of the Eiye confraternity, a cult group notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities across several Edo communities.

“From intelligence gathered and from the relief expressed by residents, it is clear that some of those arrested belong to the Eiye cult group. Their arrest has restored confidence among the people, who are pleased to see decisive action being taken.

“Among the weapons recovered were Baretta pistols, cut-to-size double-barrel shotguns, and AK-47 ammunition, all of which point to the extent of the threat posed by these individuals,” he noted.

According to report, cult-related violence has been a persistent security challenge in Edo State, with frequent clashes between rival groups leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.

The state government has intensified its fight against cultism and related criminal activities through both policing and community-driven initiatives.

Earlier in 2025, the Edo State Police Command conducted coordinated raids across Benin City, resulting in the arrest of 28 suspected cultists during house-to-house operations. Of those arrested, 19 were found culpable after screening and were charged to court.

Complementing police efforts, Governor Monday Okpebholo launched “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” deploying a newly formed Special Security Squad to dismantle cult and kidnapping networks across the state.

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