Edo Police nab 27 suspected cultists during initiation ceremony

At least 27 suspected cultists have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command during an initiation ceremony.

Very Nigerian reports that the suspects were also found with firearms and vehicles.

A combined team of police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters, led by the Ekpoma Divisional Officer, carried out the arrests.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the operation in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the suspects are members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, also known as Black Axe.

She said the operation took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at about 10:00 pm, following credible intelligence.

She added that the intelligence revealed the suspected cult group had converged in the area, about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, for an initiation exercise.

Ikoedem explained that during the attempt to arrest the suspects, one of them opened fire on the police. In a fierce gun duel, the suspect was neutralised in the ensuing exchange.

She listed items recovered from the suspects to include one locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, one battle axe, one knife, two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers AUC 377 LU and RBC 867 JJ, one Lexus RX Jeep without registration number, 51 cell phones of different makes, 15 pairs of Timberland boots in various colors, and several sling bags, all containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

However, the Commissioner in charge of the Command, Monday Agbonika, ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and onward prosecution.

Agbonika commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.

He reassured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism and all forms of criminality across the state.

He further urged residents to continue to support the police with timely and credible information through the available emergency lines

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