The Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest of over 300 cult leaders in the last year during coordinated raids carried out by the Special Security Squad across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Noah Idemudia, Coordinator of the Edo State Special Security Squad, the government said several buildings belonging to suspected cultists have also been demolished as part of ongoing efforts to stamp out crime and restore peace.
Idemudia reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to eradicating cultism and kidnapping, stressing that the administration will not tolerate any form of criminality.
Earlier this year, Governor Okpebholo signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025. The laws impose tough penalties, including a mandatory 10-year jail term for anyone harboring cultists, 21 years imprisonment for cultists who cause injury or property damage, and the death penalty for kidnappers if victims lose their lives.
Speaking on the governor’s first anniversary in office, Idemudia said the establishment of the Special Security Squad has been pivotal in tackling insecurity and flushing out criminals from the state.
“Edo State Government has promised hard times for those perpetrating criminal activities across the state. There is no hiding place for them. Edo is no longer a safe haven for crime or criminality,” he declared.
He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative, encouraging residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The ongoing operation, tagged “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” is a joint initiative coordinated by the Office of the Principal Security Officer (PSO) and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor.
For years, Edo State has battled rising insecurity, particularly in Benin City (Edo South), Ekpoma (Edo Central), and Auchi (Edo North)—areas notorious for cult-related killings and kidnappings.
Idemudia expressed optimism that the sustained crackdown will restore peace and ensure that Edo remains a secure and law-abiding state.
