Edo State police said they arrested 27 people after a raid on a suspected initiation ceremony for a cult group at Urohi village in Esan West Local Government Area late Saturday.
“During a coordinated operation at Urohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area of the State, the Edo State Police Command has arrested twenty-seven (27) suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria (A.K.A Black Axe),” the command said in a press statement.
The operation “took place on Saturday, 13 December, 2025, at about 10:00pm.”
Police said officers from the Ekpoma division led a team that included local vigilantes and hunters. The release added that one of the suspected cultists opened fire during the arrest and was “neutralised in the ensuing exchange.”
Officers recovered weapons, vehicles and other items at the scene. Exhibits listed by police included a locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, a battle axe, knives, three cars (two Toyota Camrys and a Lexus), 51 mobile phones, 15 pairs of Timberland boots and several sling bags containing a substance believed to be Indian hemp.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has ordered for their immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and onward prosecution,” the statement said.
“He also commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.”
The arrests come amid recent crackdowns on cultism in Edo, where state teams have been demolishing properties linked to cult activity and carrying out raids in several communities.
Police urged residents to keep sharing information through emergency lines so officers can act quickly.
