In a decisive show of resolve, the Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad has launched a sweeping crackdown on cultists and kidnappers across Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, signaling a zero-tolerance stance ahead of the August 16, 2025 Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections.
Codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” the effort forms part of a broader “Operation Show of Force,” initiated under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, to root out criminal elements threatening peace and public safety across the state.
The operation covered strategic flashpoints, including the Ojuromi Modern Market in Uromi, Ekpoma, Irrua, Auchi, and surrounding communities. The Special Squad, working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has assured residents that it will take firm action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process or undermine community security.
“We are acting on credible intelligence that certain cult groups are mobilizing to incite violence during the by-elections,” said Ameloemen Idemudia Noah, Coordinator of the Special Squad. “Let it be known, anyone caught attempting to destabilise Edo will face the full weight of the law. This operation is not about politics. It is about protecting lives and securing the future of our state.”
In Auchi, the Squad also engaged with the Chief Security Officer of Auchi Polytechnic amid rumors of gunfire near the institution’s main gate. Noah dismissed the viral social media reports as false, confirming that no shooting occurred and that the environment remained peaceful throughout the graduation festivities.
This was further corroborated by Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Egele, Director of Public Relations at Auchi Polytechnic, who reaffirmed the school’s long-standing zero-tolerance policy on cultism. “The graduation ceremony was peaceful. There was no violence, no casualties, and certainly no cult-related activity on our campus,” she said. “We appreciate the government’s proactive measures and remain fully committed to maintaining a safe academic environment.”
The crackdown, praised by local stakeholders and community leaders, is being hailed as a proactive stride toward securing Edo’s future, especially in light of rising concerns over cult-related violence and electoral insecurity in some regions of Nigeria.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has continued to prioritise security, deploying resources and political will to dismantle criminal networks that pose threats to governance, youth development, and investment in the state.
With law enforcement agencies now fully mobilised and communities reassured of government backing, Edo State is sending a clear message: criminality will not be tolerated, not before the elections, not after, and not ever.
As the countdown to the by-elections begins, residents are encouraged to go about their activities peacefully and participate in the democratic process without fear. The State Government has vowed to ensure that every vote counts, and that every community is protected.
