NIGERIA: 12 Suspected cultists arrested, two alleged initiation centers sealed in Edo State

Security operatives in Edo State, Nigeria have arrested 12 people suspected to be involved in cult-related activities and shut down two apartments allegedly being used as initiation centers during a series of coordinated raids across Benin City.
The operation, carried out by the state’s Special Security Squad under the code name “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” followed the recent killing of a young man near the main gate of the University of Benin on Sunday, May 10, 2026, according to Nosakhale Akhimien of Channelstv.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to the statement, the governor’s Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer led the raids in several parts of Benin City, including Ekosodin, Isihor, Airport Road, Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia, and Evbuomore Quarters.
Speaking on behalf of the security squad, Noah Idemudia alleged that some community youth leaders were providing support and shelter to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks in the state. He added that intelligence reports suggested that dangerous weapons used in recent crimes were being sourced from within some communities.
Idemudia warned community leaders and residents against harbouring criminals or keeping illegal weapons, stressing that anyone found aiding criminal activities would face prosecution.
He clarified that the 12 suspects arrested during the raids were not directly linked to the killing near the university gate. However, security operatives allegedly identified them as members of various cult groups after discovering symbols, signs, and other items believed to be connected to cult activities.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and profiling.
Authorities also sealed two apartments during the operation. One of the buildings, located in a community whose name was withheld, was allegedly being used for cult initiation ceremonies. Security operatives reportedly came under attack while trying to make arrests at the location, leading to the closure of the property and an invitation to the landlord for questioning.
Another apartment reportedly contained shrines and fetish objects scattered across different rooms, which investigators believe may have been used during initiation rites into confraternities. The property owner has also been invited for interrogation.
The security squad reiterated Governor Okpebholo’s warning to individuals accused of sponsoring cult violence and killings in Edo State, saying the government would no longer tolerate criminal activities.
Officials also cautioned against unlawful gatherings, claiming that some cult groups were planning anniversary celebrations in parts of the state.
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