ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Edo State Police Command says it arrested 45 suspected criminals and rescued 38 kidnapped victims during coordinated security operations carried out across the state in June 2026 as part of efforts to tackle violent crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Friday during the Command’s end-of-month press briefing in Benin City, where he reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing and stronger collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
Agbonika said the command maintained sustained offensives against kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and other violent offenders throughout the month, resulting in significant operational successes across Edo State.
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According to him, 45 suspects linked to various criminal offences were arrested during the period under review.
He gave a breakdown of the arrests, saying they included 32 suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two suspects arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspects connected with rape and defilement cases.
The police commissioner added that intelligence-driven operations and coordinated tactical responses also led to the successful rescue of 38 kidnapped victims from different locations across the state.
He described the achievements as further proof of the command’s determination to confront violent crime, stressing that criminals would continue to face sustained pressure from security operatives.
Agbonika attributed the successes to the professionalism, commitment and resilience of officers and men of the Edo State Police Command, as well as the support received from sister security agencies and residents.
He commended law-abiding citizens for providing timely intelligence that aided police operations, noting that effective policing depends on active public participation.
The commissioner also applauded other security agencies, vigilante groups, local hunters and members of the Community Safety Partnership for complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force through effective inter-agency collaboration.
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He assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence gathering, intensify operations against criminal elements and strengthen community policing to ensure people can live and carry out legitimate businesses without fear.
Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s resolve to make Edo one of Nigeria’s safest states, adding that the police would continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to create a secure environment capable of attracting investment, tourism and economic development.