Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched ‘Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists’ to combat insecurity in the state.

While launching the initiative on Sunday, the governor also approved the establishment of a special security squad to flush out kidnappers and cultists terrorising the state.

The move, according to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, is a strategic initiative by the office of the Principal Security Officer to the governor and will be coordinated jointly by the PSO and the Chief Security Officer at the Government House.

Speaking after granting the approval, Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes.

He said, “We will not allow criminality to dictate the future of our State.

These are tough times, but together we’ll overcome.

“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 governor has directed the PSO and CSO to ensure full implementation of the operation, noting that accountability, professionalism, and community engagement must remain at the heart of the new initiative.

It was gathered that the squad would consist of a carefully profiled and recruited team of able-bodied men, including repentant cultists, hunters, and vigilantes.

These recruits will form local squads within each local government area, ensuring community involvement and swift operational response to security threats. (The PUNCH)