A special security team in Edo State on Wednesday continued its operations across Benin City, arresting several suspected cult leaders and criminals.
Naijaonpoint reports that the operation is part of an ongoing effort by the Edo State government to tackle violent crime and restore safety in the state.
The security outfit, known as Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, was launched by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The team is made up of soldiers, police officers, civil defence personnel, hunters, vigilantes, and former cult members, all working together to remove criminals from the streets of Benin City.
During the raid, security personnel targeted known hotspots in areas such as Obe Community along Sapele Road, Iyowa Community, Evbonika, and Azuwa village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence, the operatives stormed a compound in Azuwa and made arrests.
At Evbonika, they searched a building believed to be used for cult meetings and questioned the property owner.
The team also carried out an operation at a hotel located along Power Line, off First Ugbor in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), where they arrested more suspects and seized items linked to criminal activities.
Naijaonpoint reports that Governor Okpebholo approved the formation of the squad earlier this year as part of his plan to ensure law and order across the state.
He has warned that the state government will not allow criminal groups to operate freely or threaten peace and development.
The administration has tasked the security team with carrying out its duties with discipline, transparency, and involvement of the local communities, as they push forward in their mission to make Edo a safer place.