One person has been killed and 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement, also known as Black Axe, arrested during a cult initiation ceremony in Urhohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the operation in a statement on Monday, saying it followed credible intelligence. The raid took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, around 10:00 pm, approximately 18 kilometers from Ekpoma.
“During a coordinated operation at Urohi Village, the Edo State Police Command arrested 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria (Black Axe). One of the cultists opened fire on the police, and in the ensuing gun duel, the suspect was neutralized,” the statement read.
According to the police, the operation was led by SP Nelson Igbinoba, Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, and involved a combined team of police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters.
The raid resulted in the seizure of several items, including:
One locally made shotgun and one live cartridge
A battle axe and a knife
Two Toyota Camry vehicles and one Lexus RX Jeep
51 mobile phones of various brands
15 pairs of Timberland boots
Several sling bags containing suspected Indian hemp
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The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation and prosecution, as directed by Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
Agbonika commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism, assuring Edo residents of the police’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism and criminality across the state. He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence through official emergency lines.
