The Edo State Government has intensified its war against cultism and violent crime as its Special Security Squad “Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism” launched a sweeping raid across Uromi, arresting 31 suspected cultists and placing fleeing gang members on a seven-day surrender notice.
The coordinated sting operation, carried out on Sunday, November 16, 2025, followed a deadly clash between Black Axe and Eiye rival groups just three days earlier. The confrontation, driven by a dispute over an alleged fraudulent transaction, left one person severely injured and sparked heightened security concerns across Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, the joint task force led by the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, and supported by the Uromi Divisional Police Officer, local vigilantes, and Nigerian Army personnel stormed multiple hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Arue Street, and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi.
Inside the targeted residences, operatives reportedly recovered battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs, and other incriminating items, further linking suspects to the recent violence. Homes of fleeing ringleaders identified as Gift and Ache have since been sealed as the crackdown widens.
Squad Coordinator Idemudia Noah confirmed that the operation was prompted by credible intelligence implicating several individuals in orchestrating the violent confrontation. He described the discovery of minors among those involved as “deeply troubling,” warning that the state might begin prosecuting parents whose children are found engaging in criminal activities.
One suspect, Nathaniel Kingsley, arrested at Ewoyi-Uromi, denied cult membership even as a battle axe symbolic of the Black Axe group was discovered in his residence. He confessed only to cyber fraud.
All 31 apprehended suspects have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command in Uromi for further interrogation and prosecution.
Noah reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance posture:
“Edo State will not serve as a haven for criminals. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and restoring public confidence.”
The operation concluded with a major show of force across Edo Central, signaling the government’s readiness to confront emerging threats and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.