The Edo State Police Command has arrested 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Black Axe, during a late-night operation in Urohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command ASP Eno Ikoedem said the coordinated operation was carried out at about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, following credible intelligence that the group had converged in the community, located approximately 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, to conduct an initiation exercise.
She said acting on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, led a combined team of police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters to the location. During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a gun duel during which the suspect was neutralised.
Ikoedem said 27 suspects were successfully arrested at the scene. Items recovered and registered as exhibits include one locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, one battle axe, one knife, two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers AUC 377 LU and RBC 867 JJ, and a Lexus RX jeep without registration number.
Also recovered were 51 mobile phones of different brands, 15 pairs of Timberland boots of various 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 thorough investigation and prosecution. He commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, and reassured residents of the command’s resolve to combat cultism and other forms of criminality across the state.
The police further urged members of the public to continue to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information through the command’s emergency and complaint lines.
