By Rasheed Lateef
The Edo State Security Squad has directed all business owners in the state to install functional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in their premises on or before July 30 as part of measures to strengthen crime prevention and investigation.
The spokesperson for the squad, Noah Idemudia, announced the directive while briefing journalists in Benin on Monday.
Idemudia said the decision followed the need to improve intelligence gathering and support security agencies with digital evidence during criminal investigations.
He explained that CCTV footage would aid investigators in tracking suspects, reconstructing crime scenes and prosecuting offenders, urging business operators to support the government’s efforts to improve public safety.
The security spokesperson warned suspected cult groups against holding the annual “7/7” celebration, saying security agencies had already deployed personnel to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He said anyone arrested in connection with cult-related activities would be prosecuted.
Idemudia also said the squad had commenced the profiling of community leaders across the state in collaboration with the Oba of Benin Palace to identify recognised community representatives.
He warned individuals parading themselves as community leaders without official recognition to desist or face prosecution.
The spokesperson further disclosed that operatives of the squad recently arrested two suspected cultists in Auchi and Uromi over alleged unlawful possession of firearms.
According to him, the suspects will be prosecuted before the state’s mobile court established to fast-track the trial of persons arrested for alleged cultism and kidnapping.
He reaffirmed the squad’s commitment to sustaining security operations aimed at tackling cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo.
