A combined team of operatives from the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, has arrested 12 suspected cultists accused of mobilising to launch attacks on rival groups in the state.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested at Amazing Grace Estate in Elele community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area, following a swift security response to credible intelligence reports.
Ikoedem disclosed that the suspects allegedly mobilised from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area before they were intercepted by security operatives.
The suspects were identified as Abiola Anabgaifo, Idogo Joshua, Oseni Sani, Aminu Abubakar, Iyamah Precious, Usman Rapheal, Ogene Jude, Ibrahim Aheem, Tunde Bright, Jude Edeh, Godwin Edeh and Aigbona Clifford.
According to the police, all the suspects are male and were arrested on May 7, 2026, at about 6pm.
The command’s spokesperson stated that preliminary investigations revealed that seven of the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
She added that security operatives recovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, which was allegedly linked to one Balogun Isreal, said to be currently at large.
Ikoedem disclosed that the suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism.
Agbonika assured residents that the command would continue its clampdown on cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
He also warned criminal elements operating within the state to either abandon criminal activities or leave the state entirely, stressing that the police remain fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening public peace and security.
