Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected kidnappers, cultists, and armed robbers, neutralising one during a series of raids across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, who said firearms and cult paraphernalia were also recovered.
Yamu noted that the significant operational successes were due to a sustained onslaught against violent crimes, cult-related activities, kidnapping, and armed robbery across the state. He said the command remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded notable breakthroughs between 15 and 26 November 2025:
“On 15/11/2025, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Uromi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), stormed a hospital in Uromi and apprehended seven suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity. The suspects were allegedly holding a strategic meeting to plan an attack on the rival Aye Confraternity, following a clash on 14/11/2025 between one Eiye member, known as ‘I Dey Chop’, and Asuelimen Saviour (Aye member), during which both sustained injuries. Recovered exhibits include one battleaxe and various cult paraphernalia. Saviour was later arrested on 16/11/2025. Investigation is ongoing.”
Yamu added that in continuation of intensified operations against cultism, operatives of Uromi Division on 23/11/2025 arrested four suspects during a raid. The PPRO identified them as Godspower Ehihanor (24), Miracle Akhigbe (27), Miracle Kasheka (25), and Honest Idemudia (24). Ehihanor reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.
He further said, “While the investigation was ongoing, on 25/11/2025 at about 23:30 hrs, two female suspects, Believe Ehinor (18) and Ofoma Sofia (19), were intercepted in possession of an automatic pump-action shotgun with five live cartridges concealed in a sack bag. They confessed that the weapon belongs to one Peace Ehinor, who escaped during an earlier raid. All suspects have been charged in court, while efforts to apprehend fleeing gang members continue.”
Yamu also disclosed that on 25/11/2025 at about 19:30hrs, operatives of Uromi Division, relying on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, arrested Usman Shagari of the Elushi area, Ubiaja. The suspect is believed to be among the gang that kidnapped Daniel Okoekhian and his wife on 22/11/2025. Investigation is ongoing.
He added that operatives of Egba Division, led by the DPO, successfully rescued Uwa Greg (47) and Airen Osahimwian (37) on 22/11/2025 during a bush-combing operation in Ugha Forest. The rescue followed a gun duel during which the abductors fled. The victims, who were kidnapped on 20/11/2025, were immediately taken for medical attention and have since been reunited with their families.
The PPRO stated that on 21 November 2025, at approximately 02:55 hours, the DPO of Ikpoba Hill Division, acting on a distress call from the Ohovbe area regarding an ongoing armed robbery, led operatives and local vigilante members to the scene. Upon arrival, the team engaged the robbers in a gun duel, neutralising one unidentified armed robber while others escaped into the bush.
Recovered items included a Toyota Corolla with registration number BEN 149 BC, four mobile phones, three improvised explosive devices (knock-outs/bangers), and charms. Efforts to track and arrest fleeing gang members are ongoing, with preliminary investigations continuing.
The Edo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to assist the police in their duties.
PUNCH Online reports that the Edo State Police Command has charged the arrested suspects in court. The command is also working with sister agencies to rid the state of criminal elements, as Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned criminals to stay away from Edo or face the full wrath of the law.
