Edo CP raises alarm over evolving organized crime

By Jethro Ibileke

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has raised the alarm over the evolvement of criminality into organized cells that defy conventional policing methods.

This is even as he expressed serious concern over the disturbing rise in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), across the State.

Agbonika stated this on Tuesday, in Benin, while briefing journalists on the recent operational breakthroughs and the unveiling of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Command.

He, however, announced Command’s deployment of technology-driven policing methods to match the emerging trends in criminality.

According to him, “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.”

Agbonika announced 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 cited the example of the recent arrest of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing innocent residents within Uromi, Ewatu, Emu, Okwesan, Ugboha and the entire Esan South-East axis.

“Following the kidnapping of one Mrs Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, at Udoni Quarters, Irrua on 1st May, 2026, the Command immediately deployed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit alongside combat drones, tracking devices and other technological assets for a coordinated rescue operation.

“Through sustained aerial surveillance, technical intelligence and lawful interception of communication used for ransom negotiation, operatives successfully rescued the victims unhurt and arrested the notorious kingpin, Yusuf Hassan a.k.a “Dogo Yellow” alongside nine other members of the syndicate.

“Investigations revealed that this criminal network operated an organized criminal enterprise with dedicated informants, food suppliers, victim trackers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers. Shockingly, the syndicate was also actively recruiting new members into their criminal operations,” he explained.

The kidnap kingpin and his local collaborators have since been arrested.

The CP who expressed serious concern over the disturbing rise in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the State, disclosed that within the last two months alone, the Command has arrested over twenty-three suspects linked to rape, defilement and other SGBV-related offences.

“This trend is painful, unacceptable and deeply concerning. Violence is never a solution to any disagreement or desire. Rather, it destroys lives, families and communities. The Edo State Police Command will continue to pursue offenders relentlessly and ensure justice for survivors,” he said.

Highlights of the Command’s achievements from March 2026 till date include the arrest of 55)l suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists eight armed robbery suspects, and 15 murder suspects.

Besides, three suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, 23 suspects for rape/defilement and 58 kidnapped victims successfully rescued.

“These achievements reflect effective application of strategic policing, collaboration with sister security agencies, community safety partnership and the courage of our officers and men who continue to put their lives on the line daily for the safety of Edo people,” he said.

Meanwhile, CP Agbonika has announced the official launching the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Command, to be headed by CSP Osagie Godspower Etinosa.

He said: “The Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) is a newly established specialised unit of the Nigeria Police Force created to combat armed robbery, kidnapping, violent organised crimes, and related offences through strictly intelligence-driven operations.

“Unlike previous tactical units, the VCRU is designed to operate with professionalism, accountability, and full respect for human rights, in line with constitutional provisions, and the Nigeria Police Act 2020 as amended.”

He, however, warned that the unit is not authorised to engage in arbitrary stop-and-search operations, profiling of citizens, or any form of misconduct.