The Edo State Special Security Squad in collaboration with other security agencies arrested nine suspected cultists and recovered firearms in Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The coordinator of the squad, Idemudia Noah, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State governor, Fred Itua.

Noah in the statement said the suspected cultists were arrested after credible intelligence was received from residents.

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He said operatives stormed the community in the early hours of September 3, 2025, following a distress call that members of a cult group were terrorising residents.

He added: “On arrival, our men moved swiftly and arrested nine suspects. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two Baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns, and live AK-47 ammunition.”

According to him, arms and ammunition were recovered from the premises of a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Osazuwa Igbineweka, who has since been declared wanted by the police for allegedly constituting a threat to peace in the community.

He said: “Prior to this operation, we had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi. Our raid not only led to their arrest but also exposed the dangerous weapons they used to perpetrate crime.”

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The coordinator said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects being members of the Eiye confraternity, a cult group notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities across several Edo communities.

“From intelligence gathered and from the relief expressed by residents, it is clear that some of those arrested belong to the Eiye cult group. Their arrest has restored confidence among the people, who are pleased to see decisive action being taken.

“Among the weapons recovered were Baretta pistols, cut-to-size double-barrel shotguns, and AK-47 ammunition, all of which point to the extent of the threat posed by these individuals,” he noted.

A group of discharged Nigerian soldiers on Thursday resumed protests in Abuja, demanding the payment of their entitlements.

The ex-soldiers called off their protest on August 4, after a meeting with officials of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, who assured them that their outstanding entitlements would be paid by August 10.

The ex-servicemen, who converged on the Ministry of Finance headquarters in the nation’s capital, accused the authorities of neglect and failure to honour promises made after their meeting last month.

One of the protesters, identified as Mama G, said they were forced to return to the streets after previous assurances yielded no results.

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“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled. We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive”, Mama G said.

This is not the first time the group has demonstrated. In recent years, retired soldiers have repeatedly taken to the streets in Abuja and other cities over what they describe as unfair treatment and neglect.

The Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters and Military Pension Board have yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.

Details later…

Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old mother, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

According to a police statement, made available to newsmen on Wednesday by the command spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, “the incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when Maryam allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.

“The following day, June 26, a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, while working on his farm near the area, discovered a patch of disturbed soil resembling a fresh grave.

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“He raised an alarm and, with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby, who was found alive. The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after receiving medical attention”

The statement said police detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department promptly arrested Maryam, who confessed to the crime during interrogation.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, described the act as “inhuman and unacceptable,” reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.

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”He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to protect children under their care and not compromise their future due to poverty or other pressures.

“The Police Commissioner commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the welfare of the rescued baby and praised Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his timely intervention.

“The suspect will be arraigned in court, where she will face prosecution aimed at serving as a deterrent to others.”