The Edo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against violent crime, arresting multiple suspected kidnappers, cultists, and armed robbers—while neutralising one—during a series of coordinated raids across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the developments in a statement on Thursday, noting that the intensified operations were part of a renewed push to curb cult clashes, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He said the successes reflect the command’s “unwavering commitment” to protecting residents and restoring order in communities affected by rising insecurity.
According to the statement, one of the significant operations occurred on November 15, 2025, when operatives of the Uromi Division stormed a hospital and arrested seven suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity. The suspects were reportedly holding a strategic meeting to plan a retaliatory attack on the Aye Confraternity following a violent clash a day earlier.
Recovered items included a battleaxe and various cult paraphernalia. The rival cult member involved in the initial altercation, Asuelimen Saviour, was also arrested the following day as investigations continued.
The momentum continued on November 23, when four additional suspects—identified as Godspower Ehihanor (24), Miracle Akhigbe (27), Miracle Kasheka (25), and Honest Idemudia (24)—were arrested during a targeted raid. Ehihanor allegedly confessed to belonging to the Aye Confraternity.
Just two days later, at about 11:30 p.m., the same division intercepted two young female suspects transporting an automatic pump-action shotgun concealed in a sack. The suspects, Believe Ehinor (18) and Ofoma Sofia (19), reportedly admitted the firearm belonged to a male accomplice who escaped an earlier operation. All the arrested individuals have been charged in court, while efforts to track fleeing suspects continue.
In another breakthrough, police operatives arrested one Usman Shagari of the Elushi area in Ubiaja on November 25. Investigators believe he is part of the gang that abducted a couple—Daniel Okoekhian and his wife—on November 22. Yamu said the investigation into the kidnapping ring remains ongoing.
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The command also reported a successful rescue operation. On November 22, operatives of Egba Division located and freed two kidnap victims, Uwa Greg (47) and Airen Osahimwian (37), during a bush-combing mission in Ugha Forest. The victims, kidnapped two days earlier, were taken for medical care and later reunited with their families. Police said the abductors fled after a brief gun duel.
Earlier, on November 21, officers from the Ikpoba Hill Division responded to a distress call about an armed robbery in the Ohovbe area. A joint team of police and local vigilantes engaged the suspects, killing one while the others escaped into the bush. A Toyota Corolla (registration: BEN 149 BC), four phones, charms, and improvised explosives were recovered at the scene.
Yamu reiterated that the command will sustain its aggressive operations and urged residents to support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information.
“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will not relent in its duty to bring criminals to justice,” he said.