The Edo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its sustained campaign against kidnapping and violent crimes across the state, leading to the arrest and conviction of suspected kidnappers, as well as the successful rescue of multiple victims in recent operations.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property through the Community Safety Partnership initiative, which strengthens collaboration with local communities, vigilante groups, and other security agencies.
On 23 September 2025, operatives of the Uromi Division, acting on a distress call from vigilant community members along the Uromi–Igueben Road by Eko-Ibadin Junction, apprehended four suspected kidnappers in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The suspects — Muritala Abdullahi (33), Nasiru Rabiu (40), Yahaya Ibrahim (38), and Abdulmalik Salihu (27) — were found with incriminating items, including multiple ATM and SIM cards, used SIM packs, CJTF uniforms, a dagger, cutlass, charms, and suspected hard drugs.
Following discreet investigation, the suspects were charged to court and have since been convicted for their crimes.
In a separate operation on 14 October 2025, at about 7:35 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of Iguobazuwa led a coordinated joint rescue mission involving the Edo State Security Corps, local hunters, and other security stakeholders.
The intelligence-driven operation, which covered Morgan Forest, Michelin Forest, and surrounding areas, led to the safe rescue of four kidnapped victims: Augustine Cecilia (45), Augustine Okaira (57), Mary Friday (38), and Okpaiso Comfort (67). All were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
Later that same day, the Amedokhian Tactical Division received reports of a kidnapping along Idegun Farm Road. A combined team of police operatives, vigilantes, and hunters engaged the kidnappers along the Idegun Railway Track. The suspects fled after a gun duel, abandoning their victim, Faith Odine Osaghale (39), who was rescued unharmed.
On 15 October 2025, around 8:30 p.m., operatives of Ekpoma Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Rabiu Shehu (27) and Hashiru Yusuf (28) along Illeh Road while transporting food items and a power bank to suspected criminals in the forest.
The suspects, riding a Qlink motorcycle with registration number KWC 014 QV, confessed during interrogation that the supplies were given to them by one Medisara Idris (35) to deliver to a herdsman inside the forest. The case has been transferred to the appropriate unit for further investigation.
Commissioner Agbonika praised the professionalism and swift response of the Divisional Police Officers and their teams, as well as the crucial intelligence and support provided by community members, local hunters, and the Edo State Security Corps.
He assured residents that the Command would sustain its momentum against criminal elements, urging the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
