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The Edo State Special Security Squad, working alongside other security agencies, has arrested four suspected cultists during a raid on a hideout in Egbaen Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, was led by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Saturday Okoh.
During the raid, security operatives recovered four locally made pistols, one cut-to-size firearm, a Beretta pistol and a machete from the hideout.
Although the suspects denied owning the weapons, they allegedly admitted to being members of the Aiye Confraternity.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, the coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence that members of the Black Axe cult group were planning an initiation in the community.
According to him, the planned initiation could have triggered other criminal activities capable of disrupting public peace and order.
Idemudia said the security team acted swiftly on the intelligence, leading to the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of the weapons.
He commended residents for providing timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation has contributed significantly to the squad’s operational successes.
The coordinator urged members of the public to continue sharing useful intelligence with security agencies, assuring residents that the squad remains committed to maintaining peace and security across Edo State.
