Blessing Bello, Reporting
A special security squad operating under the codename “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” has arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly being used for cult initiations, following co-ordinated raids across several neighbourhoods in Benin City, Edo State.
The operation came just days after a young man was fatally attacked in front of the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
The raids were led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Monday Okpebholo, targeting hotspots including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters.
Noah Idemudia, spokesperson for the security squad, accused some community youth leaders known as Okaigheles of aiding violent crime. He claimed that intelligence reports suggested sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks were often sourced from within Edo communities.
“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals,” Idemudia said. “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.”
Clarifying the arrests, Idemudia confirmed that the 12 suspects were not linked to the UNIBEN gate killing. Instead, they were allegedly identified as members of various cult groups after symbols, signs and other incriminating materials were discovered on them. They have since been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.
Regarding the two sealed properties, Idemudia said one apartment at Ogba-Evbuodia was suspected of being used for cult initiation ceremonies. He added that operatives who attempted to make arrests at the location were attacked, prompting the property to be sealed and its owner summoned for questioning.
The second apartment, raided in Evbuomore Quarters, was found to contain shrines and fetish items scattered across several rooms. Investigators believe the site was being used to initiate new members into different confraternities. That property owner has also been invited for questioning.
“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately,” Idemudia said. “Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law, as the state will no longer be conducive for criminal elements.”
He also issued a stern warning against unlawful gatherings, alleging that some cult groups were preparing to hold anniversary celebrations. “I want to warn that any planned cult anniversary celebrations should be suspended immediately,” he said. “Strategies are already in place to arrest anyone involved in such unlawful gatherings. Cult anniversaries will not be tolerated in Edo State.”
