Edo Police Command and ESSC arrest 12 suspected cultists planning attacks in Etsako West, with confessions and a vehicle recovered

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested 12 suspected cultists in a coordinated operation aimed at preventing a planned attack in Edo State.

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Edo police arrest 12 suspected cultists operation was carried out on May 7, 2026, at Amazing Grace Estate in Elele community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area, following credible intelligence reports.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the suspects were intercepted after allegedly mobilising from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area to attack rival groups.

Preliminary investigations revealed that several of the suspects confessed to belonging to rival confraternities, including Aye and Vikings groups.

A grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep was also recovered during the operation and is believed to be linked to an individual currently at large.

Edo police arrest 12 suspected cultists operation has since been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika praised the operatives for their swift response and warned criminal elements to either desist or leave the state, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained crackdowns on cultism and violent crime.