The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its aggressive fight against crime across the state.
Speaking at a press conference on February 13, 2026, Agbonika highlighted the successes recorded since the beginning of the year, stressing that Edo State remains “totally out of bounds to criminals.”
According to the Commissioner, the Command has maintained an intelligence-driven onslaught against kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, and other organised crime groups operating from Edo North’s forests to Edo Central’s highways. With the deployment of helicopters and drone technology, police operatives have dismantled several kidnappers’ camps, reopened previously unsafe routes, and arrested suspects along with their weapons.
Agbonika revealed that joint operations conducted in synergy with the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Civil Defence Corps, State Security Services, and local hunters have yielded significant results. He noted that community partnerships, including the Community Safety Partnership and Informal Policing Sector initiatives, have further strengthened neighbourhood watch systems across the state.
From January 2026 alone, the Command has arrested 13 suspected murderers, 14 armed robbers, 87 kidnappers, and 15 cultists. Thirty kidnapped victims have been rescued, while stolen vehicles, motorcycles, and phones have been recovered.
A cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, pistols, shotguns, dane guns, and live cartridges,s was also seized. “Each weapon recovered is a life potentially saved. Each suspect arrested is a criminal network disrupted,” Agbonika emphasised.
He expressed gratitude to Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for approving helicopter deployment and tactical support, and to Governor Monday Okpebholo for donating drones and logistics that have enhanced aerial reconnaissance and real-time intelligence gathering.
These advancements, he said, have left criminals with “nowhere to hide.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Commissioner urged residents to celebrate responsibly, remain security conscious, and promptly report suspicious activities. He assured that officers and tactical teams will remain on high alert to guarantee hitch-free celebrations across the state.
“The tempo of our operations will not only be sustained it will be intensified,” Agbonika declared. Commending his officers for their courage, he called on Edo residents to continue supporting the police with credible information. “Security is a shared responsibility, and together we will win,” he concluded, wishing the people of Edo State a peaceful Valentine season.
