By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminality, 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 of Edo State.
Coordinator of the Squad, Idemudia Noah, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders after credible intelligence was received from residents.
According to him, operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, 2025, following a distress call that members of a cult group were terrorizing residents.
“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.
He explained that the arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Mr. Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting a threat to peace in the community.
“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.
The Coordinator further revealed that preliminary investigations point to the suspects being members of the Eiye confraternity, a cult 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 who are pleased to see decisive action being taken,” he stated.
Noah emphasized that the firearms recovered were not ordinary civilian weapons but prohibited arms associated with organized criminal activities.
“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 since commended the security agencies for their swift intervention, describing the raid as timely and necessary in restoring peace to the troubled community.
The Edo State Special Security Squad has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes are flushed out of the state, assuring residents of its resolve to work with communities to stamp out criminal networks.
