No fewer than 32 suspected cultists accused of terrorising residents have been apprehended across communities in Ogun and Edo states, marking the latest effort by the Nigeria Police Force to curb cult-related violence nationwide.
One of the suspects, 24-year-old Sulaimon Laja, was arrested by operatives attached to the Igbesa Division after being spotted in disguise, following weeks of intensified surveillance targeting members of the cult group linked to attacks and harassment in the area.
During a search of his hideout in the Igbesa area of Ogun, officers recovered a serviceable single-barrel gun, believed to have been used in criminal activities within surrounding communities.
Confirming the operation on Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola said the command had continued to “whittle down cult-related activities across the state,” describing Laja as “a confessed and notorious Aiye cultist who has been terrorising residents of Igbesa and its environs.”
She explained that the suspect admitted to being an active member of the group and provided useful information identifying other members currently at large, prompting the immediate launch of a manhunt to ensure their swift arrest.
Odutola noted that the suspect and the recovered exhibit would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
She added that the command remains committed to restoring peace and public confidence across all communities in the state as security agencies continue coordinated actions against cult networks operating in the region.
Meanwhile, the remaining 31 suspected cultists were arrested in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, following coordinated raids carried out by the State Special Security Squad under the ongoing Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism.
The arrests followed a violent confrontation between rival cult groups on November 13, which left one person severely injured, prompting a multiteam operation involving the police, local vigilante groups, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The raids targeted identified hideouts on Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi; and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi.
According to Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, incriminating materials recovered from the scenes included battle axes, cult insignia, charms, drugs, and other items linked to the clashes.
He stated that all arrested suspects have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Area Command Headquarters in Uromi for interrogation.
“It was revealed that one person sustained severe injuries while 31 suspects were arrested by the Edo State Special Security Squad following coordinated raids in the area. The joint forces stormed residential buildings occupied by members of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities,” he said.
Squad Coordinator Idemudia Noah said the operation followed credible intelligence connecting several individuals to the clash, which was triggered by a dispute involving a fraudulent financial transaction. He confirmed that two alleged ringleaders, identified as Gift and Ache, remain at large and are currently the subject of a manhunt.
Noah raised concern over the involvement of underage individuals found during the raids, describing the development as troubling. He warned that parents of minors linked to criminal activities may face legal consequences as part of broader preventive measures, adding that the state government remains committed to tackling cult-related violence.
“Edo State will not serve as a haven for criminals. We are committed to safeguarding our communities and restoring public confidence,” he said.
The squad has issued a seven-day ultimatum to fleeing suspects to surrender themselves for questioning, warning that refusal would attract decisive consequences.
Separately, Noah stated that a cult clash between the Eiye and Maphite confraternities in Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, resulted in the death of one person identified as Festus.
He added that the residence of a suspected Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion, had been sealed after intelligence linked him to the incident.
