BENIN CITY: The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, has intensified its crackdown on violent crime with the arrest of nine suspected cultists and the recovery of a cache of firearms in Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, noting that the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders after credible intelligence from residents.
He explained that operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, 2025, following a distress call that suspected cult members were terrorizing residents.
“On arrival, our men moved swiftly and arrested nine suspects. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two Baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns, and live AK-47 ammunition,” Noah said.
According to him, the arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Mr. Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting a threat to peace in the community.
“Prior to this operation, we had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi. Our raid not only led to their arrest but also exposed the dangerous weapons they used to perpetrate crime,” he added.
The squad’s preliminary investigation, Noah disclosed, suggests that the suspects belong to the Eiye confraternity, a cult group notorious for violent clashes and other criminal activities across Edo communities.
“From intelligence gathered and from the relief expressed by residents, it is clear that some of those arrested belong to the Eiye cult group. Their arrest has restored confidence among the people who are pleased to see decisive action being taken,” he noted.
Noah further emphasized that the recovered firearms were prohibited weapons often linked to organized criminal gangs.
Residents of Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, who spoke after the raid, commended security operatives for their swift intervention, describing the operation as timely in restoring peace to the troubled community.
The Edo State Special Security Squad reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state.
