Three persons suspected to be involved in cult activities and linked to cult-related killings in Benin City were arrested in a security operation by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSS) and the Edo State Police Command, the state’s security agency said on Tuesday.

The arrests took place in the Amagba and Obagie communities following an intelligence-led raid, the ESSS spokesperson said. At one location, fetish items, arms and ammunition were recovered from homes connected to the suspects, according to the security briefing.

The three suspects were identified as Osazee Omoruyi, Innocent Okunozee and Anito Osaho. Egoro and Okunozee, who holds the title Okiaghale (Youth Leader) of Obagie community, confessed to being cultists but denied involvement in the recent killings.

Osaho denied membership in any cult group and also denied participation in the reported killings, the report said.

Omoruyi and Osahon were arrested in a bungalow in Amagba village, where two pump-action guns, a pistol and ammunition were found, the briefing said.

Okunozee was arrested in a separate operation with a Highlander Jeep and a rifle, according to the statement.

The ESSS gave a seven-day ultimatum to other youth leaders known as Okiagheles in Ofunwegbe and Ara communities to surrender themselves to authorities or face arrest, the spokesperson said.

The security forces also named several individuals believed to be on the run and urged them to turn themselves in for investigation, the statement added.

Eribo Ewanta, spokesperson for the ESSS, said the squad has made progress in its mandate to improve security across the state by targeting cult-related violence.

The Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Mr John Eshekiagbe, said further arrests and prosecutions are expected as investigations continue.