Police deploy officers ahead of Black Axe Founders’ Day

The Oyo State Police Command has heightened security across the state in anticipation of the Founders’ Day celebrations of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa—also known as the Aiye Confraternity or Black Axe.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, in Ibadan, the command announced that personnel had been strategically deployed ahead of the annual observance, which takes place on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Osifeso stated, “Our intelligence-led policing and community partnership efforts have yielded vital information suggesting that rival gangs may engage in large-scale retribution and mayhem during this event.

“To ensure swift response and maintain order, arrangements have been concluded for the deployment of police officers across strategic locations within the state during this period.”

According to the command, a series of awareness campaigns have been carried out with hospitality sector stakeholders—such as hotel and lounge operators as well as owners of short-let apartments—to discourage them from permitting cult-related gatherings on their premises.

“Our intelligence suggests that the movement may use the occasion to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including reprisals against rival cult groups,” Osifeso said.

He urged parents, guardians, and local influencers to work with the police to curb potential violence.

“It is crucial to engage our youth in conversations about the dangers of cultism and the severe consequences of participating in violent or unlawful gatherings,” he advised.