The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested four suspected cultists during a coordinated early morning operation in Egbaen Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, recovering a cache of firearms and other dangerous weapons believed to have been used in cult-related activities.
The raid, which was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, was based on credible intelligence indicating that members of a notorious cult group were planning an initiation ceremony that could have escalated into violent criminal activities and disrupted public peace in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, the operation was led by the Governor’s Principal Security Officer, Saturday Okoh. Security operatives stormed the suspected hideout at about 6:00 a.m., catching the suspects off guard.
During the operation, officers recovered four locally fabricated pistols, one cut-to-size firearm, a Beretta pistol and a machete. The recovered weapons have been taken into custody as exhibits, while investigations continue to determine their use in previous criminal activities within and around the community.
Although the four suspects denied ownership of the weapons, they reportedly admitted to being members of the Aiye Confraternity, a notorious cult group linked to several violent crimes in different parts of the country. Security agencies are expected to carry out further investigations to identify other members of the syndicate and dismantle their network.
Speaking on the successful operation, the Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, commended residents for providing timely and credible intelligence that enabled security operatives to prevent the planned cult initiation.
According to him, intelligence received in the early hours of Sunday indicated that members of the group were preparing to hold an initiation ceremony in Egbaen Community, an event that could have triggered other criminal activities and threatened public safety.
“In the early hours of Sunday, we received intelligence that some members of the group planned to carry out an initiation in Egbaen Community, which could have led to other criminal activities capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
“We responded promptly, moved into the community and successfully apprehended four suspects while recovering dangerous weapons.
“We thank the general public and urge them to continue providing useful information, as it has greatly assisted the squad in recording several successes.
“We will continue to do our best to ensure Edo State remains safe for all residents,” Idemudia said.
He emphasized that intelligence-sharing between residents and security agencies remains one of the most effective tools in combating crime and urged members of the public not to relent in supporting law enforcement agencies with useful information.
The latest operation underscores the Edo State Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the state through intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities. Authorities assured residents that sustained crackdowns on criminal hideouts would continue as part of measures to maintain peace, protect lives and safeguard property across Edo State.
