Edo Police Arrest 119 Suspects, Rescue 58 Kidnap Victims in Two Months

The Edo State Police Command says it has recorded major successes in the fight 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 its newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to the CP, the suspects were arrested for offences including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, rape and defilement.

He added that operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally-made firearms, 13 cartridges and other ammunition during operations across the state.

Speaking during the event, Agbonika said the Command had adopted intelligence-driven and technology-backed policing to tackle 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 stated.

The police boss explained that the deployment of combat drones, digital tracking systems, surveillance gadgets and intelligence-led operations had greatly improved the fight against kidnapping, especially in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.

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

Agbonika said the breakthrough followed the abduction of Mrs Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, at Udoni Quarters, Irrua, on May 1, 2026.

According to him, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a coordinated rescue operation using drone surveillance and digital tracking technology, leading to the safe rescue of the victims.

The alleged gang leader, Yusuf Hassan, also known as “Dogo Yellow,” and nine other suspected gang members were arrested during the operation.

The CP disclosed that investigations revealed the syndicate operated a well-organised criminal network involving informants, food suppliers, victim trackers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers.

Reports indicated that the suspected kingpin was eventually arrested at a hideout on the outskirts of Ubiaja, a property allegedly demolished and confiscated by the Edo State Government under the state’s anti-kidnapping law.

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

The operatives, alongside military personnel stationed at Obarenren, engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into the forest.

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

Agbonika also raised concerns over increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state, revealing that more than 23 suspects linked to rape and defilement had been arrested within the last two months.

Other speakers at the event commended the Edo State Police Command for its proactive efforts in tackling crime and restoring public confidence in security operations across the state.

Highlight of the event was the unveiling of branded buses for the Violent Crime Response Unit and an award presentation to the State Commander of the Unit, CSP Osagie Godspower Etinosa.