Edo Special Security Squad Raids Criminal Hideouts, Arrests 12 Suspects, Warns Communities Against Cultism

The Edo Special Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities, arresting 12 suspected cultists during a raid in Benin City while warning residents of Uzebu and Iyanomo communities against cultism, drug abuse and leadership-related violence.

The security outfit, led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Principal Security Officer (PSO) to Governor Monday Okpebholo, carried out coordinated operations across Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and maintain law and order in Edo State.

Key Highlights

• Edo Special Security Squad raids criminal hideouts in Benin City.
• Twelve suspected cultists arrested at Uzebu Quarters.
• Suspects handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
• Squad warns Iyanomo community against leadership crisis and violence.
• Residents urged not to harbour criminals or encourage cultism.
• Security outfit advises aggrieved parties to seek legal or traditional resolution of disputes.

During the operation, security personnel stormed a notorious hideout at Uzebu Quarters, Asoro Hill, along Ekenwan Road, where 12 suspects were arrested over alleged involvement in cultism and other criminal activities.

Speaking to journalists after the raid, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo Special Security Squad, George Aburime, said the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration remains committed to eliminating criminality across the state.

According to him, the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.

Aburime disclosed that the security team also visited Iyanomo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, where it intervened in a lingering leadership dispute threatening public peace.

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He said the squad’s mission was to promote dialogue and discourage any form of violence, urging the warring factions to embrace peaceful coexistence.

Aburime also warned community leaders and residents against providing safe haven for criminals, stressing that the state government would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public safety.

He noted that the dispute over the positions of Odionwere and Okaighele in Iyanomo should be resolved through the Palace of the Oba of Benin or the courts, rather than through violence or acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.