The Edo State Police Command says it arrested 45 suspects linked to various violent crimes and rescued 38 kidnapped victims during intensified security operations carried out across the state in June 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Friday during the Command’s end-of-month press briefing in Benin City, reaffirming the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, the Command sustained aggressive operations against kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers, and other criminal elements throughout the month, recording significant successes across the state.
Agbonika said the arrests comprised 32 suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases.
He added that intelligence-driven operations and coordinated tactical responses also led to the successful rescue of 38 abducted victims from various parts of Edo State.
The Police Commissioner described the achievements as a reflection of the Command’s unwavering resolve to combat violent crime and maintain public safety, stressing that security operatives would continue to sustain pressure on criminal networks operating within the state.
Agbonika attributed the successes to the professionalism, dedication, and resilience of officers and men of the Edo State Police Command, as well as the strong collaboration with other security agencies and the support of members of the public.
He commended residents for providing timely and credible intelligence that aided police operations, noting that effective policing depends on active public participation.
The Commissioner also applauded other security agencies, vigilante groups, local hunters, and members of the Community Safety Partnership for complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force through effective inter-agency collaboration.
He assured residents that the Command would intensify intelligence gathering, sustain offensive operations against criminal elements, and strengthen community policing to ensure a safer environment for citizens and businesses.
Agbonika reiterated the Command’s determination to make Edo one of Nigeria’s safest states, adding that improved security would support economic growth, tourism, and investment.
