The Edo State Police Command has recorded a string of major operational successes in the first weeks of the year, including its first-ever drone-assisted rescue operation, underscoring a growing emphasis on intelligence-led policing, technology deployment and community collaboration.
In a statement the command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said operatives successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims during an operation at Egbojo Ikabigbo Community in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area. The rescue followed a report of a kidnapping incident, which prompted the immediate deployment of officers from the Jattu Division, working in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, also activated the newly established Eagle Combat Drone Unit—recently trained and equipped by the Edo State Government—for its first operational mission. At about 4:25 a.m. on January 9, 2026, real-time aerial surveillance enabled ground operatives to locate the kidnappers’ camp. The suspects fled on sighting security forces, abandoning two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles. The victims—one adult male, three adult females and five children—were rescued unhurt.
The police described the operation as a landmark achievement, highlighting the growing role of technology in modern policing and security response in Edo State.
Beyond the drone-led rescue, the command reported several other significant arrests and recoveries during the week. On January 8, operatives recovered a black Toyota Yaris snatched at gunpoint along Ugbowo and arrested a suspected armed robber, identified as Oluwashegun Ajayi. The vehicle has since been returned to its owner.
In another operation, police arrested seven members of an armed robbery gang linked to the killing of a Point-of-Sale operator along MM Way, off Sapele Road, Benin City. Weapons recovered from the syndicate included locally made pistols and a revolver, as well as a white mini-bus allegedly used during their operations. The suspects reportedly confessed to membership of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity cult.
The command also announced the recovery of a stolen Lexus 330 SUV taken during a home invasion on December 25, 2025. One suspect, Victor John, was arrested and has allegedly confessed to the crime. The vehicle has been returned to its owner.
Additionally, police arrested a suspected armed robber at Ogheghe Community, off Sapele Road Bypass, following a distress call. A locally made firearm and live ammunition were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In a separate development, operatives dismantled a child trafficking syndicate in Uromi, arresting three suspects, including the child’s mother and a medical worker. A newborn baby was rescued, while evidence of a ₦1.4 million financial transaction linked to the illegal deal was recovered. The suspects are expected to be charged to court.
Commending officers for the successes, CP Agbonika assured residents that the command would sustain its offensive against criminal elements across the state. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support police efforts in maintaining law and order.
