The Edo State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 129 suspects for various offences across the state in January 2026.
The Command also announced the rescue of 30 kidnapped victims and the recovery of six stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles and 39 mobile phones.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Friday during the Command’s first end-of-month press briefing for 2026 held in Benin City.
Agbonika provided a breakdown of the arrests, listing 13 suspected murderers, 14 suspected armed robbers, 87 suspected kidnappers and 15 suspected cultists. He noted that many of the kidnapped victims were freed unharmed.
He also detailed arms and ammunition seized within the period, including two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with six rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, five cut-to-size single-barrelled shotguns, 28 Dane guns, one Makarov pistol, one Beretta pistol, a double-barrelled shotgun and 20 live cartridges.
According to him, the successes were achieved through collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps, the Department of State Services and local hunters. He said joint efforts involved bush-combing exercises, night raids, highway patrols, sting operations and other tactical offensives.
According to him, “From the forests of Edo North to the highways and flashpoints of Edo Central, we have sustained an unrelenting, intelligence-driven onslaught against kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, murder suspects, and every organized crime network that seeks to threaten the peace of the good people of Edo State.”
“With the aid of helicopters and drone technology, gallant and dedicated police operatives have conducted several high-risk joint operations, moving from forest to forest into the heart of thick bushes where kidnappers’ dens once operated with impunity. Today, many of those camps have been dismantled, while suspected kidnappers are arrested with their arms and other exhibits recovered. Many of those routes once feared have been reopened,” he said.
The police commissioner stated that the Command had maintained its anti-crime operations following proactive measures taken ahead of the Valentine celebration.
He added that operatives had remained steadfast, noting that every weapon seized represents a potential life saved, while each arrest moves victims closer to justice.
Agbonika said the current operational momentum would be sustained and further strengthened.
He assured residents and investors that security agencies remain committed to restoring enduring peace and boosting public confidence across the state.
The commissioner also commended the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for donating a squadron of drones and other logistics support, which he said had significantly improved operational efficiency.
He explained that specially selected tactical officers had received advanced drone training, enabling real-time aerial surveillance during operations.
“To our officers and men who brave bullets, harsh terrain, and sleepless nights, I commend your courage. To the good people of Edo State, continue to support us with credible information. Security is a shared responsibility, and together we will win,” he stated.
