The Edo State Police Command has arrested 129 suspects for various crimes across the state in January 2026, while also rescuing 30 kidnapped victims, recovering six stolen vehicles, three motorcycles, and 39 mobile phones.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika revealed the figures during the Command’s first end-of-the-month press briefing of the year in Benin City. The arrests included 13 suspected murderers, 14 armed robbers, 87 kidnappers, and 15 cultists, with many kidnappers apprehended unharmed.
Agbonika also provided details of the weapons and ammunition seized during the operations, including AK-47 rifles, fabricated AK-47s, single-barrel shotguns, pistols, Dane guns, and live cartridges.
The Commissioner credited the successes to close collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps, the Department of State Services, and local hunters. Operations involved coordinated bush combing, night raids, highway checkpoints, sting operations, and tactical offensives, supported by helicopters and drones.
“From Edo North’s forests to the highways and flashpoints of Edo Central, our intelligence-driven operations have dismantled many kidnappers’ dens, reopened feared routes, and brought criminals to justice,” Agbonika said.
He added that the Command’s efforts, which began ahead of the Valentine’s celebration, will continue with even greater intensity. He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing drones and logistical support, enhancing the security agencies’ operational capacity.
Agbonika urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible information, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility. “Each weapon recovered is a life potentially saved, and each arrest brings justice closer to our people,” he stated.
