News
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
Follow Us on Google Discover
BREAKING: Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya elected 33rd NBA President
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Gombe 2027: PDP aspirant withdraws court case, backs Pantami
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
He has lost control, has to resign – ADC ask NASS to probe Tinubu’s fitness
