From Tony Osauzo, Benin
In a bid to address the rising wave of insecurity, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the establishment of a Special Security Squad aimed at flushing out kidnappers and cultists terrorising the state.
Codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists”, the new security outfit is a strategic initiative by the Office of the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor and will be coordinated jointly by the PSO and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at the Government House.
Speaking after granting the approval, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes.
He said: “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.”
A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said security agencies have now been placed on red alert across the state, adding that the Governor has directed the PSO and CSO to ensure full implementation of the operation, and that accountability, professionalism, and community engagement must remain at the heart of the new initiative.
The statement said that, for years, Edo State has grappled with worsening security challenges, especially in the form of rampant cultism and targeted kidnappings, listing Benin City, Ekpoma, and Auchi and their environs as the most affected areas with reports of daylight abductions, cult-related killings, and extortion by criminal gangs.
It noted that the state of insecurity had led to the exodus of investors, disrupted local economies, and left residents living in fear.
The statement added: “Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has made security a top priority. One of his earliest declarations was the intention to offer amnesty and reintegration to repentant cultists, encouraging them to turn a new leaf and contribute to society.
“This initiative yielded early success as some former cult members embraced the call and joined community policing and civic education programmes.”
It explained that the continued activities of hardened criminals have necessitated a more robust response, stating that the new outfit will collaborate with the Nigeria Police and other sister security agencies to dislodge deadly cultists and kidnapping syndicates operating across the 18 local government areas.
The statement continued: “The squad will consist of a carefully profiled and recruited team of able-bodied men, including repentant cultists, hunters, and vigilantes. These recruits will form local squads within each local government area, ensuring community involvement and swift operational response to security threats.
“To facilitate the operation’s mobility and effectiveness, vehicles and motorcycles will be deployed for patrol and tactical operations.
“This initiative is not without precedent. In 2016, a similar civilian anti-cult group was launched in Ekpoma, which significantly reduced cult violence and kidnappings in the area.
“Recalling this success, the current administration believes that replicating such civilian-driven operations across the state will yield measurable and sustained security improvements.”
