A late-night police raid on a remote Edo community has led to the arrest of 27 suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms, vehicles and other incriminating items, dealing a significant blow to the activities of the notorious Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria.

The Edo State Police Command said the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation at Urohi Village in Esan West Local Government Area on Saturday night, following intelligence that members of the group had gathered for an initiation ceremony about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma.

According to the Command, operatives moved into the area at about 10pm after receiving credible information on the meeting. The Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, led a combined team of tactical police operatives, local vigilantes and hunters to the location.

The operation turned violent when one of the suspects reportedly opened fire on the security team. Police said a gun duel ensued, during which the armed suspect was neutralised.

At the end of the operation, 27 suspected members of the group were arrested, while a cache of weapons and other items was recovered. 

Exhibits listed by the police include a locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, a battle axe, a knife, three vehicles comprising two Toyota Camry cars and a Lexus RX jeep, 51 mobile phones of various brands, 15 pairs of Timberland boots, and several sling bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.

He commended the operatives involved in the raid for their swift response and professionalism, while reiterating the Command’s determination to stamp out cultism and other forms of criminality across the state.

CP Agbonika also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, assuring the public of sustained efforts to maintain peace and security in Edo State. He encouraged citizens to make use of the Command’s emergency and complaint lines when necessary.

The arrest is the latest in a series of operations by the Edo State Police Command aimed at dismantling cult groups whose activities have been linked to violence, insecurity and loss of lives in parts of the state.