Scorecard: Police Arrest 119 Suspects, Rescue 58 Kidnap Victims As CP Agbonika Unveils Violent Crime Response Unit in Edo

From Joan Ebohon

The Edo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its war against violent crimes with the arrest of 119 suspects and the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims between March and May 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference in Benin City where the Command unveiled the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

The suspects were arrested for offences ranging from kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, rape and defilement.

The police also recovered two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally-made firearms, thirteen cartridges and other calibre ammunition during various operations across the state.

Addressing journalists and security stakeholders at the event, CP Agbonika declared that the Command had embraced intelligence-driven and technology-backed policing to confront emerging security threats in Edo State.

“Today is not just about figures, statistics or data. It is about the resilience, sacrifice, strategic planning and operational transformation currently ongoing within the Edo State Police Command in our determination to rid Edo State of violent crimes and criminal elements,” he said.

The police boss revealed that the deployment of combat drones, digital tracking systems, surveillance gadgets and intelligence-led operations had significantly improved the Command’s effectiveness, particularly in tackling kidnapping activities across Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.

He cited the recent arrest of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions in Uromi, Ewatu, Emu, Okwesan, Ugboha and other parts of Esan South-East.

According to him, following the abduction of Mrs Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, at Udoni Quarters, Irrua, on May 1, 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately launched a coordinated rescue mission using drone surveillance and digital tracking technology.

The victims were rescued unhurt while the alleged kingpin, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine other gang members, was arrested.

Investigations, according to the CP, revealed that the syndicate operated a sophisticated criminal network with informants, food suppliers, victim trackers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers.

Uptown Press reports that, the alleged kingpin was eventually arrested at a criminal hideout on the outskirts of Ubiaja, a property reportedly demolished and confiscated by the Edo State Government under the State’s anti-kidnapping law.

In another operation, police operatives foiled an attempted kidnap attack along the Benin-Akure Road between Ozoguo and Obazuwa communities on May 8 after responding to gunshots during a routine stop-and-search patrol.

The operatives, working alongside military personnel stationed at Obarenren, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the forest.

Two victims identified as Mr Okarewagba Benth, 54, and his wife, Mrs Okarewagba Ruth, 50, both from Iyowa Community, were rescued unhurt.

CP Agbonika also expressed concern over the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the State, revealing that over 23 suspects linked to rape and defilement had been arrested within the last two months.

He described the trend as disturbing and unacceptable, warning that the Command would continue to pursue offenders relentlessly.

The police commissioner further announced the official launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), describing it as a specialised intelligence-driven tactical unit established to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other organised violent crimes.

Agbonika stressed that the VCRU was not a rebranded version of the defunct SARS or SWAT units, insisting that the unit would operate under strict professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in line with the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

“The unit is not authorised to engage in arbitrary stop-and-search operations, profiling of citizens or any form of misconduct,” he stated.

The Edo VCRU will be headed by CSP Osagie Godspower Etinosa, an experienced police officer with expertise in intelligence gathering, anti-kidnapping operations and tactical policing.

The CP noted that the officer had undergone several local and international security trainings and previously served in strategic operational and intelligence positions within the Nigeria Police Force.

Agbonika also disclosed that over 480 constables across the three senatorial districts of Edo State had undergone intensive firearms handling, musketry and combat drills as part of ongoing tactical capacity-building initiatives directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

He appreciated the support of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, sister security agencies, community leaders and residents for their collaboration with the police in tackling insecurity across the state.

Speaking at the event, Solomon Idiogbe, Focal Person of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, commended the establishment of the VCRU but urged the unit to remain swift, fair and professional in carrying out its operations.

He also called for intensified security measures to address persistent kidnapping activities in Ekpoma.
Other speakers at the event praised the Edo State Police Command for its proactive approach toward combating crime and restoring public confidence in security operations across Edo.

Highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of branded buses for the Unit and award presentation to the State commander of Violence Crime Response Unit, CSP Osagie Godspower Etinosa.