Edo Police Bust Black Axe Initiation, Arrest 27 Suspected Cultists In Esan

The Edo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected initiation gathering of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Black Axe, arresting 27 alleged members in Esan Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday, December 14, 2025, revealing that firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating items were recovered during the operation.

According to the police, the crackdown followed actionable intelligence indicating that the group had assembled at Urohi Village in Esan West Local Government Area, roughly 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, for an initiation ceremony.

Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, led a joint team comprising police tactical units, local vigilantes, and hunters to the location at about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.

During the arrest attempt, one of the suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives, triggering a brief but intense exchange of gunfire. The suspect was neutralised in the process, while 27 others were taken into custody.

Recovered items include a locally fabricated shotgun, a live cartridge, a battle axe, a knife, two Toyota Camry cars with registration numbers AUC 377 LU and RBC 867 JJ, a Lexus RX SUV without a number plate, 51 mobile phones, 15 pairs of Timberland boots of varying colours, and several sling bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation and prosecution.

He praised the operatives for their speed and professionalism and reassured residents of the command’s firm resolve to stamp out cultism and related crimes across the state. The public was also urged to continue providing timely and reliable information to the police through the emergency lines: 08077773721 and 08037646272.