The Edo State Police Command has arrested 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria (A.K.A Black Axe) during initiation ceremony in Esan Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, December 14, 2025 said police recovered firearms and vehicles during the coordinated operation.
According to the PPRO, one of the cultists was neutralised after he opened fire on the Police during the arrest.
“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 statement read.
“The operation, which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at about 10:00pm, followed credible intelligence that the suspected cult group had converged in the area, about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, for an initiation exercise.
“Acting on credible intelligence at the disposal of the command, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, was swiftly deployed to lead a combined team of Police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters to the location.
“During the attempt to arrest the suspects, one of the cultists opened fire on the Police and in a fierce gun duel, the suspect was neutralised in the ensuing exchange.
“Twenty-seven (27) suspects were successfully arrested, while the following items were recovered and registered as exhibits: one locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, one battle axe, one knife, one Toyota Camry with registration number AUC 377 LU, one Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 867 JJ, one Lexus RX Jeep without registration number, 51 cell phones of different make, 15 Pairs of different colors of Timberland boots and several Sling bags all containing substance suspected 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.
“He also commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism. He reassures members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism and all forms of criminality across the State, while urging residents to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information through the available emergency lines. 08077773721 & 08037646272.”
