The Edo State Police Command says it has intensified its offensive against criminal networks across the state, recording significant breakthroughs in January 2026, including the arrest of 87 suspected kidnappers and the rescue of 30 victims.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Friday, February 13, 2026, during a press conference in Benin City, describing the operations as part of sustained intelligence-driven efforts to rid the state of violent crimes.
According to him, the Command maintained proactive security measures initiated ahead of the Yuletide season, extending operations across Edo North, Edo Central, and other identified flashpoints.
Agbonika said joint operations involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters led to the dismantling of several kidnappers’ camps in forested areas across the state.
“With the aid of helicopters and drone technology, our operatives conducted high-risk operations, penetrating thick forests where kidnappers previously operated with impunity.
Many of those camps have been dismantled, and dangerous routes once feared have now been reopened,” he said.
Arrests and Recoveries
Providing a breakdown of achievements from January 2026, the CP revealed that:
13 suspected murder suspects were arrested.
14 suspected armed robbers are in custody.
87 suspected kidnappers were apprehended.
15 suspected cultists were arrested.
He added that 30 kidnapped victims were rescued, many of them unharmed.
In addition, the Command recovered six stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles, and 39 stolen phones.
Arms Seizure
Agbonika disclosed that a cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during various operations, including:
Two fabricated AK-47 rifles with six rounds of live ammunition.
One AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition.
Sixteen rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Five cut-to-size single-barrelled shotguns.
Twenty-eight Dane guns.
One Makarov pistol.
One Beretta pistol.
One double-barrelled shotgun.
Twenty live cartridges.”He noted that each weapon recovered represents “a life potentially saved and a criminal network disrupted.
The CP acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for approving the deployment of a police helicopter and providing tactical intelligence support.
He also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for donating a squadron of drones and other logistics, which he said significantly enhanced the Command’s operational capacity.
According to him, selected operatives have undergone specialised drone training, enabling real-time aerial reconnaissance during bush-clearing missions, tracking fleeing suspects, and monitoring flashpoints.
“With this advancement, criminals who once hid deep within forest corridors now have nowhere to hide. Edo State is totally out of bounds to criminals,” Agbonika declared.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the CP urged residents to celebrate responsibly and remain security conscious, assuring that officers and tactical teams will remain on high alert to ensure peaceful and hitch-free celebrations across the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying operations, restoring public confidence, and sustaining collaboration with communities through its Community Safety Partnership and Informal Policing Sector initiatives.
“Security is a shared responsibility, and together we will win,” he said.