The Edo State Police Command has arrested 28 suspected cultists during a series of house-to-house raids and operations targeting known criminal hideouts across Benin City and other parts of the state.
The arrest was part of a wider crackdown on cult-related violence and criminal activity, which has remained a growing concern in many parts of the state. The police say the operation is aimed at flushing out cultists and sending a strong message to criminal gangs operating in the region.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, the operation involved careful planning, intelligence gathering, and the direct targeting of areas known for cult-related activities.
“The command has taken the fight to the houses of identified cult members in the state to ensure that cultism is either eliminated or brought to its barest minimum,” CSP Yamu said.
He added that police operatives stormed several criminal black spots and hideouts within Benin City, where the suspects were picked up.
“During the operation, 28 suspects were arrested and professionally screened. After screening, 19 of them were found wanting and are being processed for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
Yamu noted that the police command has intensified efforts to make the state safer through a mix of strategies, including visibility policing, community engagement, and consistent raids on criminal enclaves.
He warned that the police would not rest until cultism and related crimes are under control in Edo State.
“This is a strong warning to those who are still involved in cultism or planning to join. They have only two options: either denounce cultism and turn a new leaf or relocate from Edo State. If not, they will face the full wrath of the law,” Yamu warned.
Cultism has remained a major challenge in Edo State, especially in Benin City, where violent clashes between rival cult groups have claimed several lives in recent years. Security agencies have repeatedly linked cult groups to armed robbery, extortion, and killings, especially among young people.
The latest arrests come as residents of the state continue to call on law enforcement agencies to do more to ensure safety and protect innocent lives.
CSP Yamu assured the public that the command remains committed to fighting crime and protecting communities. He also called on the public to provide useful information that could help the police in tracking down criminals.
“The fight against crime is a collective one. We urge members of the public to work with us and report any suspicious activities in their communities,” he said.
The police command is expected to charge the suspects found guilty after investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, security patrols have been increased across the state to prevent any retaliation or renewed clashes by cult gangs.
As Edo State continues to deal with the effects of youth violence and gang activity, the police say their message is clear: there is no safe place for cultism in the state.
