Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Edo State Government has intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence following the arrest of 12 suspected cultists and the sealing of two apartments allegedly used as initiation centres during coordinated security operations across Benin City.

The raids were carried out by the Special Security Squad code-named “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” in response to the recent killing of a young man in front of the gate of the on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

The operations, led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Principal Security Officer (PSO) to , covered several locations identified as security flashpoints, including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters in Benin City.

Spokesperson for the security squad, Noah Idemudia, said intelligence reports indicated that some community leaders, particularly Okaigheles, were allegedly providing support and shelter for criminal elements operating within the state.

According to him, security intelligence further suggested that sophisticated weapons linked to violent attacks across Edo communities were often traced to local networks within the state.

He warned that any Okaighele found in possession of unlicensed firearms or aiding criminal activities would be treated as a criminal under the law.

“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” Idemudia stated.

Providing further details on the arrests, the security spokesperson clarified that the 12 suspects apprehended during the raids were not directly linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate. However, he explained that the individuals were allegedly identified as members of various cult groups after security operatives reportedly discovered cult insignia, signs and other incriminating materials in their possession.

He disclosed that all suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the , Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.

Idemudia also revealed that one of the sealed apartments located in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities.

According to him, security operatives came under attack while attempting to arrest suspects at the property, prompting authorities to seal the premises and invite the owner for questioning.

He further disclosed that another apartment raided at Evbuomore Quarters allegedly contained shrines and fetish objects scattered across multiple rooms, which investigators suspect were being used for initiation rites into different confraternities.

The property owner has also been invited for interrogation as investigations continue.

The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to combating cultism, violent crimes and criminal sponsorship within the state.

“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately. Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law, as the state will no longer be conducive for criminal elements,” Idemudia added.

He also issued a stern warning against planned cult-related gatherings and anniversary celebrations, noting that security agencies had already activated strategies to arrest individuals involved in unlawful assemblies linked to cult activities.

“I want to warn that any planned cult anniversary celebrations should be suspended immediately. Strategies are already in place to arrest anyone involved in such unlawful gatherings. Cult anniversaries will not be tolerated in Edo State,” he said.

The statement was issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, Chief Press Secretary to Governor , on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.