The Edo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists in a statewide operation involving raids on criminal hideouts and house-to-house searches. The clampdown, which has been described as a strategic and sustained offensive, also led to the recovery of five firearms, 18 rounds of ammunition, two battle axes, a cutlass, and hard drugs.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the command revealed that one of the suspects, 33-year-old Bello Salami of the Maphite Confraternity, was arrested at the Benin Airport while attempting to flee the state. Salami has been linked to the recent murder of three vigilante members along Wire Road in Benin City.

The police also arrested members of various confraternities in multiple operations across the state. On June 26, operatives of the Aduwawa Division apprehended Abdulahi Eriamiator (18) and Moses Humphrey (25), both members of the Vikings Confraternity. The same day, South Ibie Division officers arrested Ahmed Hakeem (23) of the Aye Confraternity, leading to the further arrest of five more members with weapons and illicit drugs in their possession.

Another breakthrough came from the Irrua Division, where police nabbed 29-year-old Ogbe Osaghele in possession of a cut-to-size shotgun and ammunition. His accomplices, including one Odion Osaghele, are currently on the run.

On June 28, Ekpoma Area Command arrested 22-year-old Itua Odion, identified as the Esan Area Zonal Leader of the Neo Black Movement (Black Axe). A fabricated pistol and live cartridges were recovered from his unregistered Lexus RX 350.

In Auchi, police arrested three men disguised as scrap collectors—Emmanuel Udeh (27), Kalifa Kabir (24), and Ashiru Ahmed (22)—with a concealed Jojef Magnum pump-action shotgun. Separately, Jattu Division operatives apprehended Hamza Umoru (27) of Ikabigbo community, who also confessed to being a Viking member.

In the latest operation on July 1, police raided the Amagba residence of 50-year-old Jerry Orobor, recovering an automatic double-barrel shotgun, ten live cartridges, and a face cap bearing the Aye Confraternity logo.

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, assured the public that the command remains fully committed to fighting cultism and restoring safety across Edo State. He urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies and assured that all arrested suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

“These arrests show our unwavering determination to ensure that Edo State is safe and secure for all law-abiding citizens,” CP Agbonika stated.