The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has assured that the police officer kidnapped alongside his daughter on February 8 in Auchi will be rescued.
Agbonika stated this while briefing journalists at the State Command Office in Benin City on the activities of the command. He also pledged that two other victims abducted in Makeke, Akoko Edo Local Government Area on the same day would be freed.
“Rescue efforts are ongoing and we will not be able to tell you the details but like in other cases, technology has been deployed to secure his release and that of his daughter. Those that were also kidnapped in Makeke will also be rescued,” Agbonika said on Friday.
The CP revealed that from January, the command has apprehended 13 suspected murder suspects, 14 suspected armed robbers, 15 suspected cultists, and 87 suspected kidnappers, all currently in custody. He stated that 30 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, and the command recovered six stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles, and 39 stolen phones.
“We have also dealt a major blow to the instruments of violence. A total cache of arms and ammunition has been recovered. We acknowledge that each weapon recovered is a life potentially saved. Each suspect arrested is a criminal network disrupted,” he said.
Agbonika acknowledged the support of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for approving the deployment of a police helicopter and other tactical intelligence support. He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for donating a squadron of drones and other logistic support.
“Let me be clear that Edo State is totally out of bounds to criminals. No forest will be too thick to overcome, no hideout too remote and no network too fortified to break,” Agbonika declared.
He urged residents to celebrate the Valentine season responsibly, emphasizing that while people celebrate with loved ones, they should remain security conscious.
