The Edo State Police Command has recorded major successes in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, with no fewer than 55 suspected kidnappers arrested and 58 victims rescued between March and May 2026.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the command’s operational scorecard during a press briefing in Benin City.
According to the police commissioner, the achievements were part of an intensified statewide crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, murder, and other violent crimes affecting residents across the state.
Agbonika revealed that aside from the 55 suspected kidnappers arrested, the command also apprehended:
- 15 suspected cultists
- 8 armed robbery suspects
- 15 murder suspects
- 3 suspects linked to illegal possession of firearms
- 23 suspects connected to rape and defilement cases
The CP stated that the command had significantly upgraded its operational strategy by deploying modern security technologies, including drones, digital tracking systems, surveillance gadgets, and intelligence-led policing to combat insecurity, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.
One of the major breakthroughs highlighted by the commissioner was the rescue of Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, who were abducted on May 1 at Udoni Quarters in Irrua, Edo Central.
Agbonika explained that security operatives used aerial surveillance and technical intelligence to successfully rescue the victims unharmed while also arresting the suspected gang leader, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine other members of the criminal syndicate.
According to investigations by the police, the kidnapping gang operated an organised network involving informants, ransom negotiators, food suppliers, and armed operatives who coordinated criminal activities across different locations.
The CP disclosed that the alleged kingpin was arrested at a criminal hideout near Ubiaja, which has now been demolished and confiscated by the Edo State Government under the state’s anti-kidnapping law.
Agbonika further revealed that another kidnap attempt was foiled on May 8 along the Benin-Akure Road between Ozoguo and Obazuwa communities.
He said police officers working alongside military personnel engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two victims identified as Okarewagba Benth and his wife, Ruth Benth, without injuries.
According to him, bush combing operations are still ongoing in the area as security operatives continue efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the attack.
The police command also recovered a significant cache of weapons during various operations across the state, including:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- Six pump-action guns
- Seven locally fabricated firearms
- Thirteen cartridges and other ammunition
While addressing journalists, the commissioner expressed concern over the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
He described the trend as disturbing and unacceptable, revealing that more than 23 suspects linked to rape, defilement, and related offences had been arrested within the past two months alone.
According to Agbonika:
“This trend is painful, unacceptable and deeply concerning.”
The CP assured residents that the command would sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements while improving tactical response, intelligence gathering, and investigative professionalism across the state.
As part of efforts to further strengthen security operations, the command has also launched a new tactical squad known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
Agbonika described the VCRU as a specialised intelligence-driven unit established to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and organised violent crimes more effectively and professionally.
He noted that the creation of the unit followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at improving operational response to emerging security threats across Nigeria.
The police commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring public confidence and ensuring that criminal groups operating within Edo State are decisively tackled through sustained security operations and stronger collaboration with other security agencies.
