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Edo Police launched a weeklong crackdown targeting cultists across the state.
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The cult crackdown led to 95 arrests and multiple arms recovered.
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Police say the cult crackdown will continue until peace is restored.
95 alleged cultists were taken into custody by the Edo State Police Command during a well-planned, week-long operation that took place around the state.
Police intensify cult crackdown after weeks of rising violence
The crackdown was initiated by police as part of a renewed effort to restore public peace in vulnerable communities and lessen violence associated to cults.
The arrests were revealed in an official post on the police’s verified X platform account by CSP Moses Yamu, the command’s spokesperson.
According to him, officials were able to gain the remand of 64 of the accused individuals in prison after they were charged in court.
“95 alleged cultists have been detained by @EdoPoliceNG in the last week. In his statement, Yamu stated, “64 were charged today and remanded.”
Arms and ammunition seized during Edo cult crackdown
Police say the raids, which took place in suspected cultist enclaves throughout the state, resulted in the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
During the raids, police reportedly found 24 live cartridges, two locally manufactured handguns, and one single-barrel shotgun.
According to Punch, police used intelligence-led tactics to carry out the arrests and seizures in an effort to apprehend fugitives and cult members.
He underlined that until authorities fully demolish dangerous cultist networks, the operation is still going on and will continue into Edo.
Yamu declared, “Raids of their enclaves continue,” restating the command’s resolve to stop the carnage and bring security back to the impacted areas.
The crackdown coincides with growing alarm over recent cult-related homicides, kidnappings, and attacks in several areas of the state.
According to security experts, this kind of coordinated enforcement action may be quite effective in stopping violent criminal activity.
Yamu asked citizens to keep helping law enforcement by cooperating with them, providing timely intelligence, and being vigilant about criminal activity.
He went on to say that the police will continue to put pressure on criminal organizations and follow up on any leads that would help them bring criminals to justice.
The command declared that it would not let up until all cultist dangers to the state’s security, progress, and tranquility were eliminated.
Additionally, authorities issued a warning that anyone or any organization supporting or concealing cult suspects will be arrested and prosecuted without exception.
