Edo Security Squad Arrests 12 Suspected Cultists, Seals Initiation Apartments In Benin City

Operatives of the Special Security Squad, “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” in Edo State have arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for initiation activities during coordinated raids across parts of Benin City.

The operation followed the killing of a young man in front of the University of Benin gate on Sunday, May 10, 2026, which prompted intensified security actions across identified hotspots.

The raids were led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, targeting locations including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia, and Evbuomore Quarters.

Spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia, said intelligence reports linked some community leaders known as “Okaigheles” to alleged criminal activities, including the harbouring of suspects and the circulation of illegal weapons.

He warned that community leaders must ensure peace within their domains, stressing that anyone found with unlicensed firearms would be treated as a criminal.

“The governor is warning Okaigheles to maintain peace in their various communities and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found in their possession, as they will be held liable and treated as criminals,” he said.

Idemudia clarified that the 12 suspects arrested were not directly linked to the killing near the University of Benin gate but were identified as alleged members of various cult groups after incriminating materials, symbols, and signs were reportedly found on them.

He said the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Edo State for profiling and further investigation.

During the operation, two apartments were sealed by security operatives. One property in Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities, while another in Evbuomore Quarters was said to contain shrines and fetish items suspected to be linked to cult practices.

According to the squad, one of the property owners has been invited for questioning after residents reportedly attacked officers during an attempted arrest.

Authorities also warned against planned cult anniversaries, stating that intelligence indicated some groups were preparing for unlawful gatherings.

Officials maintained that such activities would not be tolerated, adding that strategies had been put in place to arrest anyone involved in cult-related violence or illegal assemblies across the state.