… Illegal arms recovered as govt intensifies crackdown on criminal gangs
BENIN CITY – In a major breakthrough in the fight against cultism and violent crime, the Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, has arrested several notorious cult leaders and recovered dangerous weapons in coordinated raids across Benin City.
The operation was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who described the crackdown as part of the state government’s sustained efforts to ensure public safety and security.
Acting on intelligence, the team stormed various hideouts on Friday evening, including Iguedaiyi village in the Egor Local Government Area, where a suspected cult leader was apprehended and weapons were recovered during a search of his residence.
The raid was part of the broader mission to rid Edo State of criminal elements threatening public peace.
Two previously arrested suspects reportedly provided vital information that led to the discovery of other cultist hideouts, where additional weapons and dangerous materials were seized.
The security squad, comprising operatives from the Nigerian Army, Police, NSCDC, hunters, vigilante groups, and repentant cultists was inaugurated by Governor Okpebholo to tackle insecurity head-on and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
A member of the squad, Ameloemen Idemudia Noah, explained that the ongoing operations are intelligence-led and devoid of political motivations, refuting claims intended to discredit the effort.
“We are guided by professionalism and community engagement. The people are with us, and their support has been instrumental,” Noah said.
He stressed that while the team’s primary mandate is to neutralise cultists and kidnappers, other crimes uncovered during operations will be prosecuted by relevant security agencies.
“Our aim is to restore peace. Criminality must end in Edo State. The killings and insecurity must stop,” he added.
Itua, in his statement, reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance policy on criminality, affirming that Governor Okpebholo remains resolute in his commitment to make Edo State safe for all residents.
