The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in crime-fighting efforts over the last four months, with the rescue of 62 kidnapped victims, arrest of 40 suspected kidnappers, 46 armed cultists, and the recovery of more than 45 firearms across the State.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika disclosed these achievements during a press briefing on Monday in Benin City. He noted that the successes were a result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, collaboration with other security agencies, and the support of local communities.
“In the period between April and 20th July 2025, the Edo State Police Command, through its coordinated strategy and dedication to public safety, has made significant strides in combating criminality across the state,” CP Agbonika stated.
The Commissioner revealed that the Command recovered 45 assorted firearms, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally fabricated pistols, and cut-to-size shotguns. Additionally, officers seized 163 rounds of live ammunition and five empty magazines during operations in Benin, Auchi, Uromi, Iyamho, and Ekpoma.
In a series of anti-kidnapping operations, 62 hostages—comprising men, women, and children—were freed from various forest locations in Ewohimi, Fugar, Okpella, Uromi, Agenebode, and along the Benin-Lagos expressway.
One of the most notable operations led to the rescue of 14 passengers abducted on the Fugar-Agenebode road. Tragically, a 12-year-old girl lost her life in the incident, and one individual remains missing. Efforts to locate the missing victim continue.
A total of 40 suspected kidnappers were arrested, several caught during the act. Eleven other suspects linked to armed robbery and violent crimes were also apprehended. Items recovered from the suspects included firearms, stolen vehicles, electronics, and large sums of cash. One suspected armed robber was fatally neutralised by police during an attack on the Auchi-Okpella expressway.
The Command has also intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence, arresting 124 suspected cultists across the State. CP Agbonika revealed that many of those detained have confessed to belonging to banned groups including the Maphites, Aye, NBM, Jurists Confraternity, and Eiye.
Forty-six of those arrested were apprehended with firearms in Benin City alone, while others were caught in Jattu, Auchi, Ekpoma, Igbanke, and Ikoro. Dangerous weapons and cult paraphernalia were seized during these operations, which have helped stem a recent surge in cult clashes.
With Senatorial and Federal Constituency Bye Elections slated for 16 August, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has been activated to guarantee a peaceful electoral process. According to the Commissioner, primary elections concluded peacefully between July 17 and 21.
CP Agbonika also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to community policing, citing strengthened relationships with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and religious institutions as key to improved intelligence gathering and early-warning systems.
The Commissioner praised the efforts of community vigilantes, hunters, and local groups who supported the police throughout their operations.
He further extended appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their ongoing support.
“Edo State is not a haven for criminals,” CP Agbonika declared. “We will not relent until every part of the state is safe and secure for our people. We urge the public to continue to support us with credible information and remain vigilant at all times.”
The Command urged residents to report suspicious activity promptly to the nearest police station or emergency numbers.