31 suspected cultists, fraudsters arrested in Edo

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY—THRITY-ONE people, mostly young people suspected to be cultists and internet fraudsters have been arrested in raids in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation was carried out the Edo State Special Security Squad, operating under the code name “Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism.”

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Mr. Fred Itua, yesterday, said the operation was part of the state government’s intensified efforts to curb cult-related violence and rising criminal activities.

He said the arrests were linked to a violent clash between rival cult groups on November 13, 2025, which left one individual hospitalised with severe injuries.

Itua said: “Acting on intelligence, the Squad conducted simultaneous raids on 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 Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi, local vigilante teams, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

“The joint forces stormed residential locations occupied by suspected members of the Black Axe and Eiye 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 additional 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 alleged ringleaders, identified as Gift and Ache, remain at large, and their properties have been sealed pending further investigations.

“Noah detailed that the first major raid occurred at an apartment at Osigbemhe Lane associated with a suspected Black Axe member, while the second at Arue Street, targeted an alleged Eiye Confraternity operative.”

He said all the suspects apprehended have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command Headquarters Uromi, for processing and interrogation.

Meanwhile, he said the Squad has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the fleeing prime suspects to surrender themselves for questioning, warning that defiance would trigger decisive consequences from the state government.

The post 31 suspected cultists, fraudsters arrested in Edo appeared first on Vanguard News.