… Edo Security Squad arrests 12 suspected cultists, seals alleged initiation centres in Benin
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Police Command has unveiled a new specialised tactical formation known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), tasked with tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
The unit was formally launched on Tuesday in Benin City by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, who said it was an intelligence-driven operational team created to strengthen the force’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.
Agbonika stressed that the new outfit should not be mistaken for a rebranding of the disbanded SARS or SWAT units, noting that it was established strictly on a new operational philosophy anchored on professionalism, accountability and human rights compliance.
According to him, the creation of the VCRU followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of broader national efforts to enhance specialised policing and improve response to organised violent crimes.
He explained that the unit’s core mandate would focus on intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping networks, armed robbery gangs and other organised criminal groups operating within Edo State.
“The unit is not a rebranding of SARS or SWAT. It is a completely structured intervention designed to restore public confidence through transparency, community engagement, professionalism and strict respect for human rights,” he said.
The commissioner further clarified that operatives of the VCRU would not engage in arbitrary stop-and-search exercises, profiling of citizens, or any form of misconduct, adding that strict operational guidelines had been put in place to regulate their conduct.
He disclosed that all personnel deployed to the unit underwent compulsory training covering human rights protection, modern investigation techniques, firearms handling and tactical operations before being cleared for duty.
Agbonika also noted that the unit would operate under a system of civilian oversight and periodic accountability reporting to ensure compliance with established standards.
The new tactical squad will be led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Osagie Etinosa, whom the commissioner described as a seasoned intelligence and tactical operations expert.
Etinosa, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in 2010 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, holds Master’s degrees in Peace and Conflict Resolution as well as Criminology and Security Studies.
He has also undergone several advanced security trainings, both locally and internationally, including courses in China, at the National Crime Agency, and the Police Staff College in Jos.
Agbonika said Etinosa’s operational background includes key postings at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, Commander of 51 PMF Oghara, and Coordinator of the FID/IRT Benin Annex.
“His extensive operational experience, investigative competence and commitment to duty make him well-suited to lead the Violent Crime Response Unit,” the commissioner said.
He assured residents that the Edo Police Command would continue to adopt modern policing strategies and deploy lawful resources to make the state increasingly hostile to criminals while safeguarding law-abiding citizens.
“We will continue to evolve, improve and deploy all lawful means available to confront crime and ensure Edo remains unsafe for criminals and safe for residents,” he added.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of an award of excellence to CSP Etinosa in recognition of his role in successful tactical operations, including the arrest of a notorious kidnapping suspect, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine members of his gang.
Meanwhile, men of the Special Security Squad, “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” in Edo State have arrested 12 suspected cultists and sealed two apartments allegedly used for cult initiation activities during coordinated raids across several hotspots in Benin City.
The operation followed the killing of a young man in front of the gate of the University of Benin on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
The Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Monday Okpebholo led the security team during raids carried out at Ekosodin, Isihor, Old Road off S&T Barracks, Airport Road, 19th Street Ugbowo, Ogba-Evbuodia and Evbuomore Quarters in Benin City.
Spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia, accused some Okaigheles across communities in the state of allegedly aiding violent crimes, saying intelligence reports suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks are often traced to local communities.
He warned community leaders to ensure peace within their domains, adding that any Okaighele found in possession of unlicensed weapons would be treated as a criminal.
“Reports reaching us indicate that some Okaigheles are allegedly harbouring criminals. Intelligence reports also suggest that sophisticated weapons used in deadly attacks on citizens are allegedly sourced from communities,” he said.
“The governor is warning Okaigheles to maintain peace in their various communities and ensure that no unlicensed weapons are found in their possession, as they will be held liable and treated as criminals.”
Idemudia clarified that the 12 suspects arrested were not linked to the killing near the UNIBEN gate, but were allegedly identified as members of various cult groups after symbols, signs and other incriminating materials were reportedly found on them.
He said the suspects had been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, for profiling and further investigation.
On the two properties sealed during the operation, he explained that one apartment located at Ogba-Evbuodia was allegedly being used for cult initiation activities.
According to him, operatives who attempted to arrest suspects at the location were attacked, leading to the sealing of the building and the invitation of the owner for questioning.
He added that another apartment raided at Evbuomore Quarters was found to contain shrines and fetish items scattered across rooms, which investigators suspect were being used for initiation into different confraternities.
The owner of the property has also been invited for questioning.
“The governor has warned those sponsoring cultism and violent killings in the state to desist immediately. Anyone found aiding criminality in Edo State will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
Idemudia also warned against unlawful gatherings, alleging that some cult groups were planning anniversary celebrations.
“I want to warn that any planned cult anniversary celebrations should be suspended immediately. Strategies are already in place to arrest anyone involved in such unlawful gatherings. Cult anniversaries will not be tolerated in Edo State,” he added.
