The Edo State Police Command has arrested 45 suspects linked to violent crimes and rescued 38 kidnapped victims in a sustained crackdown on criminal activities across the State.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Friday during the Command’s end-of-month press briefing for June 2026, describing the achievements as evidence of the Command’s determination to make Edo one of Nigeria’s safest States.
According to the police boss, the Command intensified intelligence-led operations throughout June, targeting kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and other violent criminals, while strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies and community-based security groups.
Agbonika said the operations led to the arrest of 32 suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three armed robbery suspects, 11 murder suspects, two suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspects connected to rape and defilement cases.
He added that 38 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued through coordinated tactical operations and intelligence-driven interventions carried out across various parts of the State.
“The Command has been conducting active operations against kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and other suspected violent criminals, stepping up intelligence-led policing and strengthening partnerships with sister security agencies and community-based security stakeholders,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that the operational successes reflected the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of officers and men of the Edo State Police Command, supported by effective collaboration with other security agencies and timely intelligence provided by residents.
He stressed that the Command remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements have no hiding place in Edo State.
Agbonika expressed appreciation to law-abiding residents for their continued confidence in the police, noting that information supplied by members of the public has remained vital to the Command’s operational successes.
He also commended the military, other security agencies, vigilante groups, hunters and volunteers under the Community Safety Partnership for their unwavering support, describing inter-agency collaboration as one of the strongest weapons in the fight against crime.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, the police commissioner pledged to sustain aggressive operations against criminal gangs, deepen intelligence gathering and strengthen community policing across the State.
He assured residents that the Command would continue to create a secure environment where people can live, work and conduct legitimate businesses without fear.
The press briefing concluded with a parade of arrested suspects and a display of recovered exhibits, highlighting the Command’s recent operational breakthroughs in the fight against crime across Edo State.
