The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested nine suspected cultists and recovered firearms in Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
This was made known by the Coordinator of the Squad, Idemudia Noah, in a statement on Thursday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua.
Noah said the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders after credible intelligence was received from residents.
According to him, operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, 2025, following a distress call that members of a cult group were terrorising residents.“On arrival, our men moved swiftly and arrested nine suspects. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two Baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns, and live AK-47 ammunition,” Noah noted.
He explained that the arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting a threat to peace in the community.
He added, “Prior to this operation, we had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi. Our raid not only led to their arrest but also exposed the dangerous weapons they used to perpetrate crime,” Noah added.