The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has announced major operational breakthroughs by the state command, including the arrest of 55 suspected kidnappers, the rescue of 58 abducted victims, and the launch of a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, Agbonika said the command’s achievements from March 2026 to date were the result of “resilience, sacrifice, strategic planning and operational transformation” aimed at combating violent crimes across the state.
“Today is not just about figures, statistics or data. It is about the resilience, sacrifice, strategic planning and operational transformation currently ongoing within the Edo State Police Command, in our determination to rid Edo State of violent crimes and criminal elements,” he said.
The police commissioner stated that since assuming office, he had committed the command to intelligence-driven and technology-based policing.
“From the very first day I assumed office as Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, I made a firm commitment that under my watch, the Command would be intelligence-driven, technologically compliant, operationally proactive and professionally responsive to emerging security threats across the State,” Agbonika said.
He noted that the evolving nature of criminality required new policing methods, especially against kidnappers, cult groups and armed robbers operating in organised networks.
According to him, the deployment of drone technology, surveillance gadgets, digital tracking systems and intelligence-led policing strategies has significantly improved operations, particularly in combating kidnapping across Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.
Agbonika cited the recent arrest of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for attacks in Uromi, Ewatu, Emu, Okwesan, Ugboha and other parts of Esan South-East Local Government Area.
He explained that following the abduction of Mrs Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, at Udoni Quarters, Irrua, on May 1, 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a coordinated rescue mission using combat drones and tracking technology.
“Through sustained aerial surveillance, technical intelligence and lawful interception of communication used for ransom negotiation, operatives successfully rescued the victims unhurt and arrested the notorious kingpin, Yusuf Hassan, also known as ‘Dogo Yellow’, alongside nine other members of the syndicate,” he said.
Investigations, he added, revealed that the syndicate operated a structured criminal network with informants, food suppliers, victim trackers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers.
“The syndicate was also actively recruiting new members into their criminal operations,” Agbonika disclosed.
He further revealed that the suspected kingpin was arrested at a hideout belonging to one of the gang’s collaborators on the outskirts of Ubiaja, a property later demolished and confiscated by the Edo State Government in line with anti-kidnapping laws.
In another operation on May 8, 2026, police operatives reportedly foiled an attempted kidnap along the Benin-Akure Road between Ozoguo and Obazuwa communities.
According to the commissioner, officers on stop-and-search duty at Obazuwa responded after hearing gunshots and sighting suspected kidnappers.
“An exchange of gunfire ensued as the operatives, alongside military personnel stationed at Obarenren, advanced toward the scene, forcing the hoodlums to flee into the nearby forest,” he said.
The operation led to the rescue of two victims, identified as Mr Okarewagba Benth, 54, and his wife, Mrs Okarewagba Ruth, 50, both of Iyowa Community.
“Bush combing operations are currently ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the area has remained calm and under close security surveillance,” Agbonika added.
The police commissioner also expressed concern over the rise in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in the state.
“Within the last two months alone, the Command has arrested over twenty-three suspects linked to rape, defilement and other SGBV-related offences,” he said.
“This trend is painful, unacceptable and deeply concerning. Violence is never a solution to any disagreement or desire. Rather, it destroys lives, families and communities.”
Highlighting the command’s operational record from March 2026 to date, Agbonika said police arrested 55 suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, eight armed robbery suspects, 15 murder suspects, three suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, and 23 rape and defilement suspects.
He added that officers also recovered two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally-made firearms, and 13 cartridges with other ammunition.
The commissioner attributed the achievements to strategic policing, collaboration with other security agencies, and community partnerships.
Agbonika further disclosed that over 480 police constables had undergone intensive firearms handling, musketry and combat drills at Police Mobile Force Squadrons 5, 60 and 82 across the state.
He praised the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for promoting intelligence-led policing and enhanced capacity building.
The commissioner also announced the official launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), describing it as a specialised unit created to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and organised violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations.
“The unit is not a rebranding of SARS/SWAT. Instead, it is structured to build public trust through transparency, community engagement,” he said.
According to him, members of the unit have undergone mandatory human rights, marksmanship and investigative training and would operate under civilian oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Agbonika named Osagie Godspower Etinosa as head of the Edo VCRU, describing him as “a highly experienced, intelligent and operationally sound officer.”
He said Etinosa had previously served in critical operational and intelligence positions, including the Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, Unit Commander 51 PMF Oghara and Coordinator FID/IRT Benin Annex.
“His operational experience, investigative competence and dedication to duty make him eminently qualified to lead the new Violent Crime Response Unit,” Agbonika said.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“We will continue to adapt, improve and deploy every lawful resource available to confront criminality and ensure that Edo State remains unsafe for criminals and safe for law-abiding citizens,” he stated.
