EDO SECURITY SQUAD NABS 31 CULT SUSPECTS IN EDO CENTRAL RAID, GIVES SEVEN-DAY DEADLINE TO FLEEING MEMBERS

The Edo State Special Security Squad, known as Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism, has apprehended 31 suspects after coordinated raids across Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Government, Fred Itua, and circulated to journalists. The crackdown forms part of the State Government’s intensified measures to stem cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

The arrests follow a violent confrontation between rival cult groups on Thursday, 13 November 2025, which left one person hospitalized with severe injuries.

Acting on intelligence reports, the Squad executed simultaneous raids on Sunday, 16 November 2025, targeting notorious hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi; and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi.

The operation was led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, with support from the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi, local vigilante groups, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

Security operatives stormed residential hideouts linked to members of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities. During the raid, officers recovered several incriminating items—including battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs, and other dangerous materials—further tying the suspects to the recent clash.

Authorities have since launched a manhunt for additional gang members believed to have escaped during the raids.

Speaking after the operation, Squad Coordinator Idemudia Noah confirmed that the crackdown was based on credible intelligence connecting several individuals to the earlier confrontation, which allegedly stemmed from a dispute over a fraudulent financial deal.

He further revealed that two suspected ringleaders, identified as Gift and Ache, are still on the run, and their properties have been sealed pending further investigations.

According to Noah, the first major arrest was made at an apartment on Osigbemhe Lane linked to a Black Axe member, while the second raid on Arue Street targeted an operative of the Eiye Confraternity.

All those apprehended have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command Headquarters in Uromi for interrogation and profiling.

Meanwhile, the Squad has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the fleeing prime suspects to surrender for questioning, warning that refusal to comply will attract decisive action from the State Government.

Noah also expressed concern over the discovery of several underage individuals involved in criminal activity during the raids, describing the development as “deeply troubling.” He hinted that the State Government may begin prosecuting parents of minors found engaging in crime as part of wider preventive measures.

One of the suspects, Nathaniel Kingsley, arrested in Ewoyi-Uromi, denied being a cultist despite the recovery of a battle axe—an emblem associated with the Black Axe confraternity—from his residence. He admitted only to involvement in internet fraud.

Reaffirming the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, Noah emphasized that all arrested suspects will face thorough investigation and prosecution.

“Edo State will not serve as a haven for criminals. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and restoring public confidence,” he stated.

The operation ended with a show of force across parts of Edo Central Senatorial District, underscoring the Government’s sustained presence and readiness to respond to emerging security threats.