Edo Security Squad arrests 4 suspected cultists

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, has recorded another operational success with the arrest of four suspected cultists during a raid on a hideout in Egbaen Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

Personnel of the squad, working alongside other security agencies, stormed the hideout at about 6 a.m. following credible intelligence and arrested the suspects.

The operation was led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO), Saturday Okoh. During the raid, security operatives recovered a cache of weapons believed to be linked to cult-related activities.

Items recovered include four locally made pistols, one cut-to-size gun, one Beretta pistol and one machete.

Although the suspects denied ownership of the weapons, they reportedly confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity.

Speaking with journalists, the Coordinator of the squad, Noah Idemudia, commended members of the public for providing credible intelligence that has continued to aid the squad’s operations across the state.

He appealed for sustained public cooperation, stressing that timely information remains crucial to the success of the security outfit.

“In the early hours of Sunday, we received intelligence that some members of the Black Axe group were planning to carry out an initiation at Egbaen Community, which could have led to other criminal activities capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

“We immediately mobilised to the community in the early hours of this morning. The operation was successful as we apprehended four suspects and recovered dangerous weapons.

“We thank the general public and urge them to continue providing useful information. Such support has contributed immensely to the successes we have recorded on several occasions. We will continue to do our best to ensure Edo State remains safe for all residents,” Idemudia said.

The suspects are expected to be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.