A new chapter in policing has begun in Edo State as Commissioner of Police (CP) Monday Agbonika officially assumed duty on Tuesday, taking over the reins of the State’s Police Command in a ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Benin City, the State capital.
CP Agbonika replaces CP Betty Enekpen-Isokpan Otimenyin, who made history as the first female Commissioner of Police in the State but served only 72 days in office. She was posted to Edo on 25 January 2025 and assumed duties two days later, following the retirement of her predecessor, CP Umoru Peter Ozigi.
In his first official address to journalists, CP Agbonika, who becomes the 50th Commissioner of Police in the history of the Edo State Command, laid out a vision for an all-inclusive approach to policing. He promised to deepen Community Safety Partnerships and foster closer collaboration with all segments of society to address the State’s pressing security challenges.
“We will adopt an all-inclusive policing strategy that brings everyone to the table—traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media, the Civil Defence, and all other sister agencies,” he stated. “Our objective is to work together to create a safer environment for all residents of Edo State.”
CP Agbonika noted that prior to his deployment, he held consultations with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and upon arrival in Benin City, was thoroughly briefed by senior officers on the current security dynamics in the State. Reaffirming his commitment to duty, he declared, “I am here to work.”
In expressing confidence in the support of State authorities, he said, “I am sure to get the support of His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, and all the people in the communities of Edo. That way, I am sure we will be able to tackle the major problems we have in Edo State.”
Observers have noted that CP Agbonika’s emphasis on collaboration and proactive engagement with local stakeholders marks a continuity of the community-based policing philosophy encouraged by the current police leadership under IGP Egbetokun.
As security remains a top concern for residents of Edo State, particularly in the face of rising concerns over cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, many will be watching closely to see how the new CP’s promises translate into action on the ground.
The brief but symbolic handover marks the beginning of what many hope will be a tenure of stability, innovation, and strengthened trust between the police and the communities they serve.
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