Operatives of the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps have arrested 12 suspected cultists in Edo State over an alleged plan to attack rival groups.
According to the police, the suspects reportedly mobilised from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area before they were intercepted at Amazing Grace Estate in Elele community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development in a statement released in Benin City on Monday.
She explained that the suspects were arrested on May 7, 2026, at about 6 pm following credible intelligence received by security operatives.
The suspects were identified as Abiola Anabgaifo, Idogo Joshua, Oseni Sani, Aminu Abubakar, Iyamah Precious, Usman Raphael, Ogene Jude, Ibrahim Aheem, Tunde Bright, Jude Edeh, Godwin Edeh, and Aigbona Clifford.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations revealed that seven of the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
Security operatives also recovered a grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, which police said allegedly belongs to one Balogun Israel, who is currently on the run.
The police added that all the suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit and will be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.
He also assured residents that the command would continue its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state, warning criminal elements to either repent or leave Edo State.
