Secretary of the Special Squad, Izegaegbe John Fielding questions from journalists
From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Special Security Squad, code-named Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, has recovered firearms and ammunition during coordinated stop-and-search operations across parts of the State, as investigations into the recent killing in Oredo Local Government Area intensify.
The latest operation, carried out at strategic locations including Iriri off Airport Road and the Oluku axis, led to the recovery of arms and ammunition from an abandoned vehicle after its occupants reportedly fled on sighting operatives.
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This was made known in a press release by Patrick Ebhojele Phd, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in Benin and circulated amongst journalists.
Briefing journalists, the Secretary of the Special Squad, Izegaegbe John, said the intensified operation followed a directive from Governor Monday Okpebholo after the early morning killing reported on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Eboh Quarters, Estate Gate, in Oredo Local Government Area.
“Following what happened yesterday, the Governor frowned at it and gave us a marching order to ensure we get to the root of the matter.
“As I said yesterday, after the preliminary investigation, we were going to carry out an intensive operation today. That informed our decision to move into town as early as 6 a.m.
“We combed the length and breadth of Benin metropolis, and for the first time, we recovered a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition inside a vehicle.
“All the occupants fled, but we recovered the vehicle and the K2 magazine,” John stated.
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According to him, the squad had earlier received a distress call at about 6:13 a.m. on Friday reporting a killing in the community.
Upon arrival, operatives confirmed that the victim, Courage, popularly known as “Dogo,” had been killed.
John clarified that contrary to initial speculation, the incident was not cult-related but stemmed from a dispute over park ticketing activities.
He explained that although Edo State Government had banned certain ticketing operations, the deceased was allegedly involved in illegal ticketing and was accused by some individuals of failing to appropriately share proceeds.
The disagreement, he said, allegedly led to a conspiracy which resulted in the victim’s death.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that an 9mm Beretta pistol was used in the attack, with cartridges recovered at the scene.
The killing also reportedly triggered a reprisal attack at Wire Road by individuals who mistakenly believed certain persons were responsible for the initial incident.
“We must tell you the fact that it is not a cult killing. We have investigated and investigations are still ongoing,” John added.
He confirmed that several suspects have been arrested and are currently providing useful information that may lead to additional arrests.
Reaffirming the State government’s firm stance against cultism and kidnapping, John assured residents that the Special Security Squad remains fully committed to maintaining law and order.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that the situation is under control and that decisive action will be taken against all those found culpable.
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