Edo Police Strike Hard: Dozens of Kidnappers Nabbed, Cultists Arrested, Victims Rescued

‎The Edo State Police Command has announced major breakthroughs in its fight against crime across the state between April and July 20, 2025, citing the recovery of arms and ammunition, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of cultists and violent criminals, and heightened community policing efforts.

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‎Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Benin City, the Commissioner of Police highlighted the Command’s achievements, made possible through intelligence-led operations, community support, and collaboration with sister agencies. He said the Command recovered 45 assorted firearms including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, and cut-to-size guns. Additionally, officers recovered 163 rounds of live ammunition and five empty magazines. These seizures were made during stop-and-search operations, raids on criminal hideouts, and direct encounters with armed criminals in parts of Benin, Auchi, Uromi, Iyamho, and Ekpoma.

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‎The Commissioner disclosed that the Command successfully rescued 62 kidnapped victims in different operations carried out in forest locations around Ewohimi, Fugar, Okpella, Uromi, Agenebode, and the Benin-Lagos Expressway. One of the most significant operations was a joint rescue mission involving police tactical teams, vigilantes, and hunters, which led to the freedom of 14 passengers abducted along the Fugar–Agenebode road. Tragically, a 12-year-old girl lost her life during the ordeal, while one individual is still unaccounted for. He assured the public that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the missing person.

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‎On criminal arrests, the Command confirmed that it apprehended 40 suspected kidnappers, some of whom were caught in the act, as well as 11 suspects involved in armed robbery and other violent crimes. Items recovered during these operations included firearms, stolen vehicles, electronic devices, and cash. One armed robbery suspect was neutralised while attempting to rob passengers along the Auchi–Okpella Expressway. Police recovered a fabricated shotgun, four live cartridges, and five expended cartridges from the scene.

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‎The Commissioner noted that cultism remains a persistent threat in some areas of the state. To address this, the Command has intensified house-to-house searches, leading to the arrest of 124 suspected cultists. Many of those arrested confessed to being members of proscribed groups such as Maphites, Aye, NBM, Jurists Confraternity, and Eiye. Forty-six of the suspects were arrested with firearms in Benin City, while others were apprehended in Jattu, Auchi, Ekpoma, Igbanke, and Ikoro with dangerous weapons and cult paraphernalia. The crackdown, he added, has helped significantly reduce inter-cult clashes and violence in affected areas.

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‎The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to community policing and public safety. The police leadership continues to engage with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious institutions, and community stakeholders to build trust and improve early warning systems. The Commissioner commended the contributions of local vigilante groups and hunters for their partnership in achieving recent gains.

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‎As Edo State prepares for the Senatorial and Federal Constituency Bye Elections scheduled for August 16, 2025, the Command assured the public of adequate security measures. He confirmed that the Inter-Agency Consultative Election Security (ICCES) platform has been activated to ensure a peaceful exercise, with party primaries held between July 17 and 21 concluded without incident.

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‎He expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his leadership, and to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for continued support. He also praised the officers and men of the Command for their courage and resilience.

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‎The Commissioner concluded by reiterating that Edo State is not a haven for criminals. He called on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support the police with credible information. “We will not rest until every corner of this state is safe and secure for all residents,” he declared.

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