Twelve suspected cultists are now in custody following their arrest during an alleged initiation ceremony in Benin City.
Officers from the Edo State Special Security Squad conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations in the capital. They sealed two apartments believed to have hosted cult recruitment activities.
The operations targeted hotspots including Ekosodin, Isihor, and Airport Road. Authorities also searched Old Road off S&T Barracks, 19th Street, Ugbowo, and Evbuomore Quarters.
These raids followed a student's killing near the University of Benin gate last Sunday. Police intensified efforts to crack down on cult-related violence in the city.
Noah Idemudia, spokesman for the security squad, told reporters the arrested men weren't directly involved in the student's death. However, officers found cult symbols, signs, and other suspicious materials on them.
According to Idemudia, investigators recovered incriminating items linking the suspects to various cult groups. He noted that they've been transferred to the Police Anti-Cultism Unit for profiling.
One sealed apartment in Ogba-Evbuodia had allegedly served as an initiation venue for months. Operatives met resistance when attempting to make arrests there.
Idemudia explained that community leaders clashed with security forces at that location. Officers then decided to seal the property and summon its owner for questioning.
He raised fresh concerns about traditional rulers allegedly harboring criminals in their communities. Intelligence suggests sophisticated weapons used in violent attacks originate from within Edo State.
The security official warned Okaigheles—traditional rulers—to maintain order in their domains. Anyone found keeping illegal firearms will be prosecuted like any other criminal, he stressed.
"Some Okaigheles are allegedly sheltering criminal elements," Idemudia said. He added that reports show dangerous weapons fueling deadly attacks are sourced locally.
He urged community chiefs to cooperate with security agencies in stamping out cult violence. Authorities vowed to intensify operations against criminal organizations across Benin City.
