Edo State security operatives have arrested 12 suspected cult members and sealed two apartments allegedly used as initiation centres during coordinated raids in Benin City.

The operation was conducted by the Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers, under the direct supervision of the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The raids were initiated following the killing of a young man near the main gate of the University of Benin, an incident that increased public concern about renewed cult-related violence in the state capital.

Security personnel conducted operations in several identified hotspots, including Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S and T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters.

According to the squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, intelligence reports indicated that some community youth leaders, known as Okaigheles, were allegedly involved in harbouring criminal elements and facilitating access to weapons.

Idemudia stated that any Okaighele found with unlicensed arms or linked to violent activities would be treated as a criminal suspect and prosecuted.

He clarified that the 12 arrested individuals were not directly connected to the killing near the University of Benin gate but were allegedly identified as members of different cult groups after officers reportedly discovered symbols, signs and other incriminating materials on them during stop and search operations.

The suspects have been transferred to the Anti Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.

Regarding the sealed properties, Idemudia said one apartment in Ogba Evbuodia was allegedly used as a venue for cult initiation rites.

He reported that operatives attempting to arrest suspects at the location were attacked, leading to the immediate sealing of the building and the invitation of the property owner for questioning.

A second apartment in Evbuomore Quarters was reportedly found to contain shrines and fetish items in several rooms, which investigators believe were used for initiation into various confraternities.

The owner of the second property has also been summoned by security agencies.

Idemudia relayed the governor’s warning to individuals allegedly sponsoring cultism and violent attacks in Edo State, stating that the state would not serve as a safe haven for criminal networks.

He also cautioned against planned cult anniversary celebrations, noting that security operatives had developed strategies to disrupt any unlawful gatherings and arrest organisers and participants.