The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed ‘Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,’ has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against 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.
In a press release obtained by Naija News on Thursday morning, the Coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, said the operation was carried out on September 3, 2025, after credible intelligence and distress calls from residents revealed that cultists were terrorising the community.
“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 disclosed.
The arms were reportedly recovered from the premises of the Okaighele of Omi, Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has been declared wanted by the police for allegedly threatening peace in the area.
“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,” Noah added.
Firearms recovered
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects belong to the Eiye confraternity, a group notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities across several 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,” Noah said.
Noah stressed that the firearms were not ordinary civilian weapons but prohibited arms linked to organised crime.
“Among the weapons recovered were Baretta pistols, cut-to-size double-barrel shotguns, and AK-47 ammunition, all of which point to the extent of the threat posed by these individuals,” he explained.
Residents of Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba have praised the security squad for its swift intervention, describing the raid as timely and necessary to restore peace.
The Edo State Special Security Squad reaffirmed its resolve to flush out cultism, kidnapping, and violent crimes from the state, assuring continued collaboration with communities to dismantle criminal networks.
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