Edo Police Command Sustains Crackdown on Cultists, Arrests 16 Suspects, Recovers Firearms

The Edo State Police Command has intensified its offensive raid against cultism and violent crimes in the state, recording significant breakthroughs in recent days with the arrest of no fewer than sixteen (16) suspected cultists, the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weapons across various parts of the state.

A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, revealed that among the arrested suspects was Bello Salami, 33, identified as a member of the Maphite Confraternity and linked to the recent killing of three members of the Edo State Security Network along Wire Road in Benin City. Salami was apprehended on 28th June 2025 at the Benin Airport while attempting to flee the state.

In a separate operation on 26th June 2025, operatives of the Aduwawa Division acting on credible intelligence arrested two suspects, Abdulahi Eriamiator (18) and Moses Humphrey (25), confirmed members of the Vikings Confraternity.

That same evening, personnel of the South Ibie Division apprehended Ahmed Hakeem (23), a member of the Aye Confraternity. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of five other accomplices and the recovery of one shotgun, four live cartridges, two battle axes, a cutlass, and a quantity of illicit drugs known as ‘ice’. All suspects reportedly confessed their involvement in cult-related activities.

In Irrua, operatives arrested Ogbe Osaghele (29) in possession of a cut-to-size shotgun and two live cartridges, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices, identified as members of the Aye Confraternity.

Also, on 28th June 2025, operatives of the Ekpoma Area Command arrested Itua Odion (22) at a hotel in Ekpoma, recovering a fabricated pistol with two live cartridges. The suspect confessed to being the Esan Area Zonal Leader (No. 1) of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), popularly known as Black Axe.

Further arrests followed in Jattu, where Hamza Umoru (27), a suspected member of the Vikings Confraternity, was apprehended, and in Auchi, where three suspects Emmanuel Udeh (27), Kalifa Kabir (24), and Ashiru Ahmed (22) were arrested while disguising as scrap scavengers with a concealed pump-action shotgun.

In the latest development, on 1st July 2025, police raided the residence of Jerry Orobor (50) in Amagba Community. A search of his home yielded an automatic double-barrel shotgun, ten live cartridges, and a face cap bearing the insignia of the Aye Confraternity.

All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining security in Edo State, warning criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law. He also called on residents to support the police by promptly reporting suspicious activities in their communities.