Police apprehend 119 suspected criminals in two months in Edo

The Edo State Police Command says it arrested 119 suspects for various criminal activities between March and April 2026.

Recall that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin City at a press conference and launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU.

Agbonika said the suspects were arrested in connection with kidnappings, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, cultism, armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of firearms and rape/defilement.


He also disclosed that 58 kidnapped suspects were rescued within the period.

He gave the breakdown of the arrested suspects to include 55 kidnappers, 15 cultists, eight armed robbers and 15 murder suspects. According to him, 23 persons were arrested for rape and defilement.

The CP also disclosed that two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally-made firearms, 13 cartridges and other calibre of ammunition were recovered from the suspects within the period.

Agbonika noted that the achievements reflected effective application of strategic policing, collaboration with sister security agencies, community safety partnership and the courage of officers and men who continue to put their lives on the line daily for the safety of Edo people.

He said, “From the very first day I assumed office as Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, I made a firm commitment that under my watch, the Command would be intelligence-driven, technologically compliant, operationally proactive and professionally responsive to emerging security threats across the State.

“Criminality in recent times has evolved beyond conventional policing methods. Kidnappers, cult groups, armed robbers and other violent offenders now operate in organized cells with defined structures and responsibilities. It therefore became necessary for the Command to evolve faster to match emerging trends in criminality.

“I am pleased to inform the good people of Edo State that the introduction and deployment of drone technology, high-tech surveillance gadgets, digital tracking systems and intelligence-led policing strategies have significantly improved our operational effectiveness, especially in combating kidnapping and violent crimes across Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.”

He commended the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support as well as the sister security agencies, community leaders, the media and all well-meaning residents for their cooperation.

Agbonika assured that the Command would remain fully committed to protecting lives and property in the state.