Okpebholo Launches Security Scheme Against Cultists, Kidnappers
In a decisive move to combat rising insecurity, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday launched a new security initiative tagged ‘Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists’.
The initiative aims to rid the state of the criminal elements responsible for abductions, cult-related violence, and growing unease among residents.
The operation includes the immediate formation of a special security squad dedicated to identifying and dismantling kidnapping syndicates and cult groups operating across Edo’s local government areas. The initiative is being coordinated jointly by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, both of whom have received direct orders to implement the strategy with urgency and precision.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the new operation is described as a “strategic and community-rooted initiative” designed to deliver rapid response to security threats and build trust between the government and local residents.
Governor Okpebholo, speaking shortly after granting approval for the initiative, reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards violent crime, vowing to reclaim the state from the grip of criminality.
“We will not allow criminality to dictate the future of our state,” the governor said. “Edo State must be safe again for our children, for investors, and for those in the diaspora who want to come home and contribute. Security agencies have now been placed on red alert across the state.”
The newly established special squad will comprise carefully profiled able-bodied men, including repentant cultists, local hunters, and vigilantes, creating a robust grassroots force to monitor and secure communities. These teams will be deployed across all local government areas, forming localized response units that can react swiftly to threats while engaging closely with residents.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that accountability, professionalism, and community engagement will be central to the success of the operation. He charged the PSO and CSO with ensuring that the mission remains people-oriented and free of abuses.
The move comes amid growing public concern over insecurity in parts of Edo State, with repeated calls from community leaders and civil society groups for stronger government action. By incorporating reformed individuals into the security architecture, the government hopes to turn former perpetrators into protectors, while leveraging traditional knowledge and local intelligence.
The Okpebholo administration has promised regular updates on the progress of the operation and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest security unit or local government authorities.
As the state intensifies its battle against crime, Operation Flush Out signals a significant shift in the security strategy of Edo State one that prioritizes community involvement and swift justice in the fight to restore safety and order.
