Edo Police parade 77 crime suspects, rescue 38 kidnap victims

The Edo State Police Command on Friday paraded 77 suspects arrested for various criminal offences during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across the state in June 2026.

The suspects were apprehended for offences including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, rape, defilement and other sexual and gender-based violence-related crimes.

Addressing journalists during the parade, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the arrests underscored the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening public confidence in policing and promoting transparency in its security operations.

Agbonika explained that the Command intensified intelligence-driven operations throughout June, targeting kidnapping syndicates, cult groups, armed robbery gangs and other violent criminal elements operating across the state.

According to him, the Command also strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, hunters and community-based security stakeholders to improve crime prevention and response.

He said the sustained operations had significantly disrupted criminal activities in several parts of the state, stressing that Edo would not provide a safe haven for criminals.

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“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Edo State of all forms of criminality. We will continue to deploy intelligence, professionalism and strategic partnerships to ensure the safety of residents,” he said.

The police commissioner attributed the operational successes to the leadership and directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Bamidele Disu, noting that the IGP’s emphasis on intelligence-led, community-oriented and people-focused policing had enhanced crime-fighting efforts nationwide.

He also commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices in combating crime, while appreciating the support of other security agencies and residents of the state.

Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Agbonika disclosed that the suspects comprised 32 alleged kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two persons arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspects linked to rape, defilement and other sexual and gender-based offences.

He further revealed that police operatives rescued 38 kidnapped victims during separate intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical missions carried out in different parts of Edo State.

According to the commissioner, the rescue operations and arrests demonstrate the Command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and curb violent crimes across the state.

Agbonika expressed gratitude to residents for their continued cooperation with the police, noting that credible and timely intelligence from members of the public had been instrumental to the Command’s operational successes.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and the support and cooperation of residents continue to make a significant difference in our operations,” he said.

He also thanked the Edo State Government for its support, while applauding sister security agencies for maintaining effective inter-agency collaboration in tackling crime.

The commissioner equally commended local vigilante groups, hunters and community safety volunteers for complementing the efforts of the police through their vigilance and commitment to protecting communities.