Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), has dismantled a major cult network operating in the Auchi area after arresting 12 suspected members of the Aye and Vikings confraternities who were caught in the act of mobilising for an attack on perceived rivals.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at about 6 p.m. at the Amazing Grace Estate in the Elele Community, Uzairue, Auchi, Edo State, following a swift operation based on credible intelligence. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the suspects had reportedly mobilised from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area to launch attacks on their rivals when they were intercepted.
The 12 suspects are Abiola Anabgaifo (33), Idogo Joshua (28), Oseni Sani (22), Aminu Abubakar (19), Iyamah Precious (29), Usman Rapheal (29), Ogene Jude (31), Ibrahim Akeem (27), Tunde Bright (20), Jude Edeh (21), Godwin Edeh (19), and Aigbona Clifford (20). The police statement noted that the suspects were all male. During preliminary investigations, seven of them confessed to being active cult members, with some identified as belonging to the Aye and Vikings confraternities.
A grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, allegedly belonging to one Balogun Isreal who is currently at large, was also recovered from the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police for Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has since commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, stating that the command will sustain its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state. He has directed that all the suspects be transferred to the Anti‑Cultism Unit, where they will be further investigated before being prosecuted upon conclusion of the probe.
CP Agbonika issued a stern warning to all criminal elements, stating that they must either repent or leave the state as the command remains fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening the peace and security of residents.
This latest crackdown is part of a broader, sustained offensive against cultism in Edo State. In response to rising insecurity, the government established a special security squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” to tackle the menace of secret cults and kidnapping.
A major part of this campaign has been the demolition of properties identified as cult hideouts. In September 2025, the state government demolished four houses linked to cult activities in Etsako West Local Government Area, including a property in Auchi belonging to a wanted cultist known as “Too‑Believe”. A massive raid linked to that demolition also resulted in the arrest of 20 suspected cultists.
The success of the recent arrest is a testament to the growing effectiveness of intelligence‑led policing. According to ASP Ikoedem, the operation on May 7 was a direct result of the swift response of operatives to actionable intelligence, allowing them to intercept the suspects before they could carry out their planned attacks on rivals.
As the 12 suspects remain in police custody, the Commissioner of Police has reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Edo State is no longer a safe haven for cultism and violent crime. The command has also warned that it remains fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening the peace and security of residents.
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