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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested 31 suspects following coordinated raids across Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area.
The operation was part of the Edo State government’s intensified efforts to curb cult-related violence and rising criminal activities. The arrests followed a violent clash between rival cult groups on Thursday, November 13, 2025, which left one individual hospitalized with severe injuries.
The squad, which operates with the code-name “Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism”, acting on intelligence, conducted simultaneous raids on Sunday, November 16, 2025, targeting known hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi, Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi, and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi.
Leading the operation were the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi, local vigilance teams and troops of the Nigerian Army.
The joint forces stormed residential locations occupied by members of some confraternities.
Incriminating items, including battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs and other dangerous materials were recovered, further linking the suspects to the recent fracas.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for other members believed to have fled during the raids.
Speaking after the operation, squad coordinator, Idemudia Noah, confirmed that the crackdown followed credible intelligence implicating several individuals in the clash, which stemmed from a dispute over a fraudulent financial transaction.
He disclosed that two ringleaders, identified as Gift and Ache, remain at large, and their properties have been sealed pending further investigations.
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Noah detailed that the first major raid occurred at an apartment at Osigbemhe Lane associated with a Black Axe member, while the second at Arue Street, targeted an Eiye Confraternity operative.
All suspects apprehended have been handed over to the Police Area Command Headquarters, Uromi, for processing and interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Squad has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the fleeing prime suspects to surrender themselves for questioning, warning that defiance will trigger decisive consequences from the State Government.
During the operation, several underage individuals were also found engaging in criminal activities, a development Noah described as “deeply troubling.”
Consequently, Noah warned that the Edo State Government may begin taking legal action against parents of minors involved in crime as part of broader preventive measures.
One suspect, Nathaniel Kingsley, arrested at Ewoyi-Uromi, denied involvement in cultism despite the recovery of a battle axe, an emblem of the Black Axe confraternity from his residence. He admitted only to participating in internet fraud.
Noah reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, assuring that every arrested individual will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
“Edo State will not serve as a haven for criminals. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and restoring public confidence,” he said.
The Squad concluded the operation with a show of force across parts of Edo Central Senatorial District, signaling the Government’s sustained presence and readiness to respond to emerging threats.
