The Edo State Police Command has recorded a string of major operational breakthroughs, headlined by its first-ever drone-led rescue mission that resulted in the successful liberation of nine kidnapped victims and the recovery of firearms, in what authorities described as a new benchmark in modern policing in the State.
The landmark operation followed a report of a kidnapping at Egbojo Ikabigbo Community in Jattu, where police responded swiftly by mobilising operatives from the Jattu Division in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters. Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, the Command also deployed its newly established Eagle Combat Drone Unit for the first time in a live rescue operation.
In the early hours of Thursday, January 9, 2026, at about 4:25am, real-time aerial surveillance from the drone unit led ground forces to the kidnappers’ camp. As police operatives stormed the location, the suspects fled, abandoning two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles. Nine victims—one adult male, three adult females and five children—were rescued unhurt.
Police described the operation as a defining moment for law enforcement in Edo State, highlighting the growing role of technology in intelligence gathering and tactical response. The drone unit was recently trained and equipped by the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo, as part of efforts to strengthen security architecture across the state.
Beyond the drone-led rescue, the Command reported several other significant achievements during the week. On January 8, a stolen black Toyota Yaris, reportedly snatched at gunpoint along Ugbowo, was recovered along Otorekpen Street, off Siloko Road, Benin City. A suspect identified as Oluwashegun Ajayi was arrested and described as a member of an armed robbery syndicate terrorising parts of Uwelu Quarters. The vehicle has since been returned to its owner.
In a separate operation, police dismantled a seven-man armed robbery gang linked to the killing of a Point-of-Sale operator at MM Way, off Sapele Road, Benin City. Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Eagle Raiders Squad stormed the gang’s hideout at Idahosa Street, off Mission Road, recovering a locally made revolver, a single-barrel pistol and a white mini-bus allegedly used for criminal operations. All seven suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity cult group, according to police.
The Command also announced the recovery of a black Lexus 330 SUV stolen during a home invasion on December 25, 2025. The vehicle was retrieved through a joint operation between the Ugbowo and Okhoro divisions, leading to the arrest of a suspect, Victor John, who reportedly confessed to being part of the five-man gang responsible for the robbery. The vehicle has been returned to its owner.
In another incident, operatives of the Loveworld Division responded to a distress call at Ogheghe Community, off Sapele Road Bypass, following reports of an armed robbery in progress. One suspect, David Okoro, was arrested after a brief confrontation, during which a civilian sustained a pellet injury to the shoulder. A cut-to-size single-barrel gun and live cartridges were recovered, while a manhunt has been launched for fleeing suspects.
The police also uncovered a child trafficking syndicate in Uromi, leading to the arrest of three suspects connected to the illegal sale of a newborn baby. The infant was safely rescued, while evidence of a ₦1.4 million transaction was recovered. Police confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court.
Commending the successes, CP Agbonika reassured residents that the Command would sustain its offensive against criminal elements across Edo State. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
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