The Edo State Police Command has announced a series of successful intelligence-led operations in the Benin City metropolis over the past week, resulting in multiple arrests of suspected armed robbers, gunmen, and cult members, along with the recovery of dangerous weapons and stolen items.
According to a press release issued by the Command and signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the operations were carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, who has emphasised sustained patrols, rapid response to distress calls, and proactive strategies to combat crime.
In one operation on Saturday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m., operatives from the Eagle Crack Unit, led by CSP Ezekiel Ojeifo, responded to reports of repeated gunshots at a residence along Erediuwawa Street, off Sapele Road. The team pursued fleeing suspects and arrested Emmanuel Omorodion, 41, recovering one English-made double-barrel gun and one live cartridge.
The statement read: “Acting swiftly on the tip-off, operatives of Eagle Crack Unit… were deployed to the scene. Upon storming the area, the hoodlums fled and were given a hot chase until they arrested one of them…”
In a separate intelligence-driven raid targeting cult activities in the Eyaen axis, operatives from the Intelligence Rapid Response Team, led by CSP Idaba Peter, stormed a meeting at Ibojije Hotel. They arrested six suspected members of the Aye Confraternity cult, including alleged kingpin Usifo Omojale and five others: Imafidon Jesurobo Frank (31), Godstime Iliyoma (23), Lukeman Itsagwode (38), Usifoh Omomgiade (31), and Ibhafidon Omonkhegbe (35).
“The intelligence revealed that the group was holding a meeting at Ibojije Hotel, Eyaen,” the release stated. “All the suspects have confessed to being members of the Aye confraternity cult and will be arraigned in court while investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network.”
Another success came on Thursday, January 23, 2026, around 2:40 a.m., when officers from Ugbor Division, led by CSP Oliver Agu, and in collaboration with the Edo State Security Network, responded to an armed robbery distress call at No. 10 Uwadia Street, off Ogunmenyi Community. The suspects fired at police during their escape attempt but were met with superior firepower. One suspect, Gondas Innocent, sustained pellet injuries and was arrested. Recovered items included three machetes, one laptop, one Apple iPhone, a clipper, and some clothing items.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of a second suspect, Tasman Nanman, at a hideout in an uncompleted building.“The Edo State Police Command assures members of the public that investigations into all the incidents are ongoing, and all suspects will be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement continued.
ASP Eno Ikoedem reiterated the Command’s commitment: “The Command also reiterates its commitment to sustained patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and robust collaboration with other security stakeholders to ensure the safety of lives and property across Benin City and the state at large.”
The police urged residents to continue providing credible information, noting that “community cooperation remains a vital tool in effective policing.” Contact numbers were provided for emergencies and complaints:
- Emergency Control Room: 08077773721 and 08037646272
- Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335
- Complaints Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992
These recent successes highlight the ongoing efforts by the Edo State Police Command to curb cultism, armed robbery, and related violent crimes in the region through proactive and community-supported policing.
