The Edo State Government’s Special Security Squad, Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, at the weekend stormed Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts in an “Operation Show of Force” to register its presence and warn criminal elements.
The show of force, which covered Ekpoma, Irrua, Uromi and surrounding communities in Edo Central, as well as Warake, Iyeki Road, Angle 90, and the Auchi Polytechnic campus in Edo North, underscored Governor Monday Okpebholo’s resolve to rid the state of cultism, kidnapping, and other crimes.
Squad Coordinator, Ameloemen Idemudia Noah, cautioned those plotting to disrupt the August 16, 2025 Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections, stressing that security agencies would be fully mobilised to ensure peace and bring offenders to justice.
“We have credible intelligence that some cultists are mobilising to cause chaos during and after the elections. We will respond decisively. This is not about politics; it is about safeguarding Edo people,” Noah warned, urging parents to caution their wards.
On a viral social media report alleging sporadic gunfire at Auchi Polytechnic on August 6, Noah clarified that investigations with school authorities revealed no such incident. He said police had earlier arrested suspected cultists attempting to disrupt graduation celebrations, adding that the case was being followed up.
Auchi Polytechnic’s Director of Public Relations, Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Egele, also dismissed the shooting claims as fabricated, insisting the graduation was peaceful and free of cult-related disturbances. She reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism and pledged continued collaboration with the state government to maintain peace.
