One killed as suspected kidnappers, cultists arrested in Edo raids

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected kidnappers, cultists, and armed robbers, and neutralised one in various raids carried out in the state.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, who also said that firearms and cult paraphernalia were seized.

Yamu noted that the significant operational achievements were achieved due to sustained onslaught against violent crimes, cult-related activities, kidnapping, and armed robbery across the state.

He said the command remained resolute in its commitment to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded notable breakthroughs between November 15 and 26, 2025.

“On November 15, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Uromi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, stormed a hospital in Uromi and apprehended seven suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity.

“The suspects were allegedly holding a strategic meeting to launch an attack on the rival Aye Confraternity, following a clash on November 14 between one Eiye member, known as “I Dey Chop” and Asuelimen Saviour (Aye member), during which both sustained injuries.

“Recovered exhibits include one battle axe and various cult paraphernalia. Saviour was later arrested on November 16, and the Investigation is ongoing.

Yamu also said in continuation of the command’s intensified operations against cultism, operatives of Uromi Division on Sunday, November 23, 2025, arrested four suspects during a raid.

The PPRO gave the names of those arrested as Godspower Ehihanor (24 years), Miracle Akhigbe (27 years), Miracle Kasheka (25 years), and Honest Idemudia (24 years), adding that Ehihanor confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.

He added, “While an investigation was ongoing, on November 25, 2025, at about 23:30hrs, two female suspects, Believe Ehinor (18 years) and Ofoma Sofia (19 years), were intercepted in possession of an automatic pump-action shotgun with five live cartridges concealed in a sack bag. They confessed that the weapon belonged to one Peace Ehinor, who escaped during an earlier raid.

“All suspects have been charged in court for prosecution, while efforts to apprehend fleeing gang members continue.”

Yamu also said that on November 25, 2025, at about 19:30 hours, operatives of Uromi Division, relying on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, arrested Usman Shagari of the Elushi area, Ubiaja.

He said the suspect is believed to be among the gang that kidnapped Daniel Okoekhian and his wife on 22/11/2025, noting that the investigation is ongoing in the matter.

He also revealed that operatives of Egba Division, led by the DPO, successfully rescued Uwa Greg (47 years) and Airen Osahimwian (37 years) on 22/11/2025 during a bush-combing operation in Ugha Forest. The rescue followed a gun duel during which the abductors fled.

According to him, the victims, earlier kidnapped on 20/11/2025, were immediately taken for medical attention and have since been reunited with their families.

The PPRO said that on 21/11/2025 at about 02:55hrs, the DPO Ikpoba Hill Division, acting on a distress call from the Ohovbe area regarding an ongoing armed robbery, led operatives and local vigilante members to the scene. Upon arrival, the team engaged the robbers in a gun duel, during which one unidentified armed robber was neutralised, while others escaped into the bush.

He said a red Toyota Corolla with registration No. BEN 149 BC, four mobile phones, three improvised explosive devices (knock-outs/bangers) and charms were recovered at the scene, noting that efforts to track and arrest fleeing gang members continued with preliminary investigation ongoing.

The Edo State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents. The Command urges the public to remain law-abiding and continue to provide credible information to assist the Police in the discharge of their duties.

PUNCH Metro reports that the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected cultists and kidnappers, charging them to court to face the law.

Also, the command is working with sister agencies to rid the state of criminal elements, as the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has warned criminal elements to stay away from the state or face the full wrath of the law.