Police arrest 77 suspects, rescue 38 kidnap victims in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

No fewer than 77 suspects were paraded on Friday by the Edo State Police Command for various criminal offences.

The suspects were arrested in June 2026 from across the state.

The suspects include 32 alleged kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two suspects arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 others linked to rape and other sexual and gender-based violence, including defilement.

The State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who paraded the suspects, described the achievement as a demonstration of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, promoting accountability and transparency in policing, and keeping residents informed about ongoing security efforts.

He added that the Command intensified intelligence-led operations throughout the month, targeting kidnapping syndicates, cult groups, armed robbers, and other violent criminals, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community based security stakeholders.

Agbonika said the sustained operations have significantly reduced the activities of criminal elements, reaffirming the Command’s determination to ensure that there is no safe haven for criminals anywhere in Edo State.

He attributed the successes to the leadership and support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Bamidele Disu, whose guidance, he said, has repositioned police operations towards community oriented and people-centred policing.

He also commended the professionalism, commitment, and sacrifices of officers and men of the Edo State Police Command, as well as the collaboration of other security agencies and the support of residents across the state.

Providing a breakdown of the arrests made within the period under review, the Commissioner disclosed that 32 suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspects linked to rape and other sexual and gender-based violence, including defilement, were apprehended during various operations.

He further announced that 38 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued through intelligence driven operations and coordinated tactical responses carried out across different parts of the state.

According to him, the achievements underscore the Command’s unwavering determination to rid Edo State of criminal elements while demonstrating its proactive and relentless approach to tackling violent crime.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to law-abiding residents of Edo State for their continued cooperation with the police, noting that timely intelligence and information supplied by members of the public have remained vital to the Command’s operational successes.

“Security is a shared responsibility, and your collaboration continues to make the difference,” he said.

He also thanked the Edo State Government for its support, while commending sister security agencies for maintaining effective inter-agency cooperation in combating crime across the state.

Special recognition was equally given to local vigilante groups, hunters, and community safety volunteers whose vigilance and commitment, he noted, have greatly complemented the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.