The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against criminality, arresting dozens of suspected criminals, dismantling kidnapper camps, and rescuing victims across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, disclosed this during the Command’s end-of-the-month press conference held on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
Addressing journalists and residents of the state, the police boss said the Command had sustained an aggressive, intelligence-driven offensive against kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, murder suspects, and other organised crime networks operating within Edo State.
According to him, police operations spanning Edo North, Edo Central, and major highways have been intensified with the deployment of helicopters and drone technology, enabling operatives to access forest hideouts previously used by criminals.
He noted that several kidnapper camps had been dismantled, dangerous routes reopened, and suspects arrested with arms and other exhibits recovered.
The Commissioner said the successes were achieved through coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo State Security Corps, Department of State Services, and local hunters.
He added that strengthened partnerships with communities through initiatives such as the Community Safety Partnership and Informal Policing Sector have further enhanced neighbourhood watch and problem-oriented policing in the state.
Providing a breakdown of achievements recorded from January 2026, Agbonika revealed that:
13 suspected murder suspects were arrested
14 suspected armed robbers are in custody
87 suspected kidnappers were apprehended
15 suspected cultists were arrested
Beyond arrests, the Command also rescued 30 kidnapped victims, many of whom were unharmed. Police operatives recovered six stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles, and 39 stolen mobile phones.
In addition, a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, including fabricated AK-47 rifles, live ammunition, pistols, shotguns, and Dane guns.
“We acknowledge that each weapon recovered is a life potentially saved. Each suspect arrested is a criminal network disrupted,” the Commissioner said.
He acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for approving the deployment of police helicopters and tactical intelligence support. He also commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for donating drones and providing other logistics that have enhanced the Command’s operational capacity.
According to Agbonika, selected tactical operatives have undergone specialised drone training, enabling real-time aerial reconnaissance to support bush clearance missions, track fleeing suspects, monitor flashpoints, and provide live intelligence during operations.
With these advancements, he declared that criminals now have no hiding place in the state.
“Let me be clear: Edo State is totally out of bounds to criminals. No forest will be too thick to overcome. No hideout too remote. No network too fortified,” he said.
As the Valentine season approaches, the Commissioner urged residents to celebrate responsibly and continue to cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace across the state
