In a major crackdown on criminal elements, Edo State’s Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, has arrested several notorious cult leaders and recovered a cache of illegal arms in Benin City.
The operation, carried out on Friday, 18th July 2025, marks a significant escalation in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s campaign to rid the state of violent crime.
Acting on intelligence reports, the joint security team, comprising the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local hunters, vigilantes, and even repentant cultists, raided hideouts in Evboutubu and Iguedaiyi village.
A statement by the Press Secretary to the Government, Fred Itua disclossed that, among those apprehended was a high profile cult leader, whose residence was searched, yielding firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Two previously arrested suspects reportedly assisted security forces in identifying additional cult hideouts, leading to further seizures. The operation also targeted hotspots in Egor Local Government Area, where residents have long complained of cult-related violence.
A member of the security squad, Ameloemen Idemudia Noah, confirmed the arrests, emphasising that the operation was intelligence-driven. “We want the public to know that our operation is not politically motivated as some persons are trying to drag the team to tarnish its image,” he said.
“We will keep our heads straight and do the job we are called to do. We will do it perfectly well, knowing that the people of the state are expecting so much from the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.”
Noah stressed that community cooperation played a crucial role in the success of the raids. “Today’s activities were a success as the team recovered weapons from suspected cult leaders arrested.
We are getting cooperation from communities. These community members have complained bitterly over the operations of some of the arrested cult members,” he noted.
While the primary mandate of the squad is to combat kidnapping and cultism, Noah acknowledged that other criminal activities may surface during investigations.
“Those we arrested are cultists, but if they are involved in other criminal activities, it is the law enforcement agencies that will prove that,” he said. “The killing and insecurity in the state must be stopped, and all criminal elements must be arrested and brought to book to ensure the state is safe for all Edo people.”
The latest crackdown underscores Governor Okpebholo’s zero-tolerance stance on crime. Since assuming office, his administration has prioritised security, deploying a multi-agency approach to dismantle criminal networks. The inclusion of repentant cultists in the security operations has also proven effective, as their insider knowledge aids in tracking down hidden arms and identifying key figures in cult groups.
The governor’s chief press secretary, Fred Itua, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to security in a statement. “The move and action of the Security Squad indicate the seriousness of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration in flushing out criminal elements from Edo State,” he said.
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