Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
From our news desk, Benin
In reaction to increasing threats of terrorists and bandits across the Nigeria nation, the Edo State Government has tightened up security operations in parts of the State.
The Government stated this on Wednesday, 26 November, 2025 following a threat said to have been issued by a self-acclaimed bandit.
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The governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo assured residents of adequate security, in a statement released by his media aide, Fred Itua and availed journalists in Benin, the State Capital.
“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a trending video circulating on social media, allegedly featuring a self-acclaimed bandit issuing threats and claiming presence around Ekpoma and adjoining communities in Edo Central Senatorial District.
“The Government wishes to assure the people of Edo State that Governor Monday Okpebholo has been fully briefed on the matter and has, in response, convened a high-level security meeting.”
The Governor since assuming office has treated security as a top priority and has “not left any stone unturned” in confronting emerging threats, Itua asserts.
“Over the past weeks, the Governor has held continuous strategic security briefings and activated a statewide surveillance architecture covering key corridors, including the Benin–Auchi Expressway, Ekpoma–Uromi Road, Ehor–Iruokpen axis, Benin Bypass, the Ewu–Irrua–Ubiaja route, Benin–Afuze–Auchi corridor, amongst others.
“These measures are designed to ensure early detection, swift response, and sustained pressure against criminal networks.”
Acting therefore, on the Governor’s latest directive, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante groups, and the Edo State Special Security Squad have commenced intensified operations across forests, boundary communities, and known flashpoints, it was disclosed.
Continuing, the statement stated; “Search-and-comb missions are ongoing, backed by enhanced intelligence gathering and coordinated patrols to deny criminal elements’ haven anywhere within the State.
“Already, significant breakthroughs have been recorded. Arrests have been made in connection with recent security breaches, and several leads are currently being pursued.
“The Government reiterates that these operations are continuous and will not cease until every inch of Edo land, urban centres, rural communities, and transit corridors is fully secured and safe for residents, commuters, and investors.”
Urging citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, the State Government warned against misinformation and unverified videos circulating online.
This is as the Governor reiterated his commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and assured that his administration would continue to deploy all lawful measures to ensure that criminality has no space to thrive in the State.
In the unrelenting fight against crime and criminality, the State government through its security outfit in conjunction with other agencies, has arrested suspected kidnappers and intensified actions against cultists.
As dividend of efforts deployed so far, the State Special Security Squad on Saturday, 22 November, 2025 arrested two suspected kidnappers in Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
As a property allegedly used as an operational base by the kidnappers, was also demolished by the security operatives.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, were said to have been arrested acting on a “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance”, security authorities said.
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