Police arrest 821 suspects, rescue 377 kidnap victims in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

A total of 821 suspects were arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command for various criminal offences between January and December 2025.

The State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the achievements of the Command in the outgoing year.

A breakdown of the 821 suspects is as follows: 39 for armed robbery, 171 for kidnapping, 117 for murder, 62 for rape/sexual offences, 239 for cultism, 36 for unlawful possession of firearms, and 157 for other unspecified offences.

In addition, operatives of the Command secured the release of 377 kidnap victims, recovered 11 stolen vehicles, and seized 188 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.

Agbonika said the achievements were made possible through robust inter-agency collaboration involving the Nigerian Army Mechanised 4 Brigade, the NAF 107 Air Maritime Group, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), forest guards, local vigilante groups, and hunters.

“This joint approach underscores our collective resolve to confront and decisively neutralise security threats in the state.

“As we celebrate the Christmas season and prepare for the New Year, I wish the good people of Edo State a peaceful, safe, and prosperous festive period. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies,” Agbonika stated.