- Police Foil Cult Attack In Edo, Nab 12 Suspects
- Seven suspects allegedly confessed to belonging to cult groups during investigation.
- Police recovered vehicle, vowed continued crackdown on violent crimes statewide.
The Nigeria Police Force in Edo State, working alongside the Edo State Security Corps, has arrested 12 suspected cultists during a security operation in Uzairue, Auchi, located in Edo North.
The suspects were apprehended at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, on May 7, 2026, following what the police described as a swift response to credible intelligence.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, the suspects allegedly mobilised from Okpella to carry out attacks on rival groups before security operatives intercepted and arrested them.
The suspects were identified as Abiola Anabgaifo, 33; Idogo Joshua, 28; Oseni Sani, 22; Aminu Abubakar, 19; Iyamah Precious, 29; Usman Raphael, 29; Ogene Jude, 31; Ibrahim Akeem, 27; Tunde Bright, 20; Jude Edeh, 21; Godwin Edeh, 19; and Aigbona Clifford, 20.
The statement partly read, “Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps have arrested 12 suspected cultists at Amazing Grace Estate, Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi in Edo North following operatives’ swift response to credible intelligence.
“The suspects were arrested on 7th May, 2026 at about 6:00 pm after they allegedly mobilised from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.”
The command disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that seven of the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of cult groups.
According to Ikoedem, some of the suspects were identified as members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
Security operatives also recovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS during the operation.
Police authorities said the vehicle allegedly belongs to one Balogun Isreal, who is currently on the run.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and rapid response.
Agbonika stated that the command would sustain its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state.
He added that all the suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation and would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
The police also warned criminal elements operating within the state to abandon unlawful activities or leave Edo State, stressing that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and maintaining public peace.
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