- Bust ₦400m Auchi robbery gang, recover 350 rounds of ammunition
- Police also arrest suspected cultists, armed robbers and car thief as CP Daaor vows sustained crackdown on crime
The Edo State Police Command has announced a series of operational successes, including the arrest of suspects in murder, sexual assault, child defilement, armed robbery, cultism and vehicle theft cases, as well as the recovery of 350 rounds of ammunition and other exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a press briefing, highlighting the command’s intensified efforts to combat criminal activities and restore public confidence in the security architecture across the state.
According to Daaor, the operations also involved bush-combing and clearance exercises in communities and farming settlements, aimed at flushing out criminal elements and improving security for residents.
He said the achievements reflected the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining peace across Edo State.
Two Arrested over Murder Cases
The commissioner disclosed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with separate murder cases.
In one particularly disturbing case, a female victim was allegedly murdered, with one of her breasts severed before her corpse was dumped by the roadside.
Daaor said investigations into the cases were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the necessary procedures.
Three Suspects Held over Child Defilement
The police commissioner also confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with sexual assault and the alleged defilement of minors, including a two-year-and-nine-month-old girl and a four-year-old child.
He said the cases were being handled by the command’s Gender and Family Unit, with the suspects expected to face prosecution.
The arrests underscore the command’s response to cases of sexual violence against children, although further details of the individual incidents were not disclosed.
Police Bust Gang behind ₦400m Auchi Robbery
In another major breakthrough, operatives of the Auchi Area Command have dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the robbery of the Paparazzi Communication Complex in Auchi on July 12, 2026.
The robbery reportedly resulted in the death of the security guard on duty and the theft of properties valued at more than ₦400 million.
The suspects arrested in connection with the incident are Hamisu Nuhu, 34, from Jattu, who was identified by the police as the alleged mastermind, alongside Suleiman Rabiu, Hussaini Gago and Ibrahim Haruna.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the respective roles of the suspects and advance the case for prosecution.
Police Intercept Bus, Recover 350 Rounds of Ammunition
The command also reported the interception of a Toyota Ultra bus belonging to GUO Transport Company during a stop-and-search operation along the Benin–Lagos Road on October 20.
The vehicle, with registration number AGU721ZL, was driven by Godwin Emeka, 37.
A search of the bus reportedly led to the recovery of 100 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 live ammunition, 50 rounds of 7.65mm-calibre ammunition and 200 rounds of 9mm-calibre ammunition, bringing the total to 350 rounds.
Operatives also recovered three bags containing substances suspected to be cannabis.
Enearu Louis, 40, identified as the transport company’s operational manager, was also arrested in connection with the incident.
The command did not disclose the intended destination of the ammunition or the circumstances surrounding its transportation. Further investigations are expected to establish the source, ownership and intended use of the recovered items.
Suspected Car Thief Arrested in Benin
Daaor further disclosed that police operatives arrested a 30-year-old suspect, Osakpanwan Ekuase, on August 31, 2026, over the alleged theft of five vehicles from a mechanic workshop in Ogheghe Community, Benin City.
The suspect allegedly posed as a worker at the workshop before stealing the vehicles.
The police said the arrest formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle vehicle theft and other property-related crimes in the state.
Four Suspected Eiye Cult Members Arrested
In a separate operation, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested four suspected members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity following an incident along Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, on October 17.
According to the command, the operatives were conducting intelligence-gathering activities at about 10 p.m. when they received information that suspected cultists were planning to initiate new members.
The operatives reportedly positioned themselves at a strategic location, where they encountered a man identified as Kevwe Kokori, 30, who claimed to be a member of a vigilante group and was initially released.
The police alleged that Kokori later returned with about 20 other men on motorcycles, armed with dangerous weapons, in an apparent attempt to attack the operatives. The confrontation reportedly resulted in damage to the windscreen of a police vehicle.
The operatives eventually overpowered the group and arrested four suspects identified as Kevwe Kokori, 30; Omoregbe Iguma, 38; Gabriel Kokori, 32; and Emmanuel Friday, 39.
The command said the suspects confessed during interrogation to belonging to the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity. Efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members who fled the scene.
In another cultism-related operation on October 2, VCRU operatives arrested Chidiebere Osazee at an uncompleted building around AY Junction in Ulegun Community, off the Benin–Abraka Road.
The operation followed intelligence that suspected criminals were gathering or hiding in the building.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of a cut-to-size single-barrelled gun. The suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and claimed ownership of the firearm.
The police said efforts were continuing to track down other members of the suspected group.
Two Suspected Armed Robbers Arrested, Motorcycle Recovered
The command also announced the arrest of two suspected armed robbers following an intelligence report received on October 11 from a woman identified as Blessing Ezekiel.
The woman reportedly informed the police that her boyfriend, identified in the briefing as Nanta James, also known as Sani, frequently returned home late at night with bloodstains on his clothes.
Acting on the information, operatives of the VCRU, working with personnel from Ugbor Police Division and members of the Edo State Security Corps, arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, James allegedly confessed to being an armed robber specialising in dispossessing unsuspecting motorcycle riders of their motorcycles around Amagba, Ugbor and the Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Benin City.
His alleged accomplice, Sambo Nathan Bala, was subsequently arrested and also reportedly confessed to involvement in the crime.
The police said a motorcycle allegedly stolen during the operation was recovered.
Investigations are continuing to determine whether the suspects were involved in other robbery incidents in the affected communities.
Police Urge Residents to Remain Vigilant
The Edo State Police Command called on residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the police.
The command said its operational activities would continue as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt violent crime and strengthen security across the state.
While the arrests and recoveries represent significant operational developments, the allegations against the suspects remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
The command expressed its resolve to sustain the crackdown on criminal activities and ensure the protection of lives and property throughout Edo State.
