Edo Governor’s Elite Squad goes rogue: Journalist brutally attacked in Benin raid

By Jethro Ibileke

A journalist with Independent Television, Hassan Olasunkanmi Quadri, was allegedly assaulted and brutalized by members of the newly launched Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” less than 24 hours after its inauguration by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The incident, which occurred during a raid at an undisclosed hotel in Benin City, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the squad’s conduct and oversight.

The Special Security Squad, established on Sunday, July 13, 2025, aims to curb kidnapping and cultism in Edo State, as announced by Governor Okpebholo.

However, the squad’s first operation has come under scrutiny following Quadri’s account of the assault, detailed in a viral video posted on his Facebook page.

Speaking in Pidgin English, Quadri described how operatives stormed his hotel room without identifying themselves, slapped him, tear-gassed his eyes, tore his clothes, and attempted to seize his gold necklace.

He was dragged to Oluku Junction, sustaining a forehead injury in the process.

“I asked a simple question: ‘Who are you? Who are you looking for?’ They didn’t introduce themselves. Instead, they slapped me and tear-gassed my eyes,” Quadri said in the video.

“Edo State is not safe anymore. They’re just gathering people, labeling them cultists. This is not how to fight crime.”

He emphasized that not every youth in Edo is a criminal and called for better identification protocols and professionalism from security operatives.

The journalist credited his release to the intervention of Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, who was present during the operation.

Itua confirmed the incident during a phone-in programme on a local radio station, describing the squad’s actions as “unfortunate” and admitting he accompanied the team to monitor their conduct on their first day.

“I saw Hassan from a distance and ran to intervene. I had to physically stop them from arresting him because I know he’s a journalist,” Itua said. “I apologized for the mistaken identity. They manhandled him, and I felt bad.”

Itua explained that his decision to join the operation stemmed from concerns about potential unprofessional behavior by squad members.

“I chose to go myself instead of sending staff, anticipating issues. Unfortunately, some members didn’t behave well,” he added.

Itua’s intervention ensured Quadri was removed from the squad’s bus, preventing his detention.