Edo Governor Launches Special Squad to Tackle Kidnapping and Cultism
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has approved the establishment of a Special Security Squad to confront the twin threats of kidnapping and cultism that have plagued communities across the state.
The initiative, tagged “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Office of the Principal Security Officer (PSO) and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor. The operation aims to root out criminal elements, particularly in flashpoints such as Benin City, Ekpoma, Auchi, and surrounding areas, which have witnessed a surge in violent crimes including abductions, cult clashes, and extortion.
Over the years, the deteriorating security situation has adversely affected local economies, forced residents to live in fear, and discouraged potential investors. Governor Okpebholo, who has consistently prioritized security since assuming office, said the new operation represents a firmer response to the activities of “hardened criminals” who have continued to terrorize the state despite earlier peace efforts.
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“We will not allow criminality to dictate the future of our State. Edo State must be safe again—for our children, for investors, and for those in the diaspora who want to come home and contribute,” the Governor declared after granting the formal approval for the operation.
The security squad will be made up of carefully vetted individuals including community hunters, vigilantes, and even some repentant cultists who have embraced amnesty under previous state rehabilitation programs. These recruits will form local teams in each of the 18 Local Government Areas, allowing for community-based intelligence and rapid response to threats.
In line with its operational mandate, the squad will receive logistical support including patrol vehicles and motorcycles to enhance mobility and tactical effectiveness. The operation will also work in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other sister security agencies.
The new initiative draws inspiration from a similar anti-cult group launched in Ekpoma in 2016, which led to a significant drop in cult-related violence and kidnappings in that axis. By expanding this model statewide, the Okpebholo-led administration hopes to achieve lasting improvements in public safety.
Security operatives across Edo have now been placed on red alert, with the Governor emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and community engagement as key pillars of the operation’s success.
“Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists” is expected to take immediate effect, marking what many see as a new chapter in Edo State’s long-standing battle against violent crime.
