The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crime, rescuing 377 kidnap victims and arresting 821 criminal suspects across the state in the outgoing year.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Monday in Benin City during an end-of-year security review. He said the achievements followed an aggressive, intelligence-driven strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence.
According to Agbonika, the Command arrested 171 suspected kidnappers during the period under review. In addition, operatives apprehended 117 murder suspects, 62 suspects linked to rape and sexual offences, and 239 individuals accused of cult-related activities. Police also arrested 157 others for various criminal offences.
Arms Recovery and Tactical Operations
Agbonika revealed that police operatives recovered 188 arms of different calibres and 422 rounds of ammunition. The Command also retrieved 11 stolen vehicles during targeted operations across the state.
To strengthen operations in high-risk areas, the police deployed helicopters and drones from the Police Air Wing to Edo North. He said the aerial support played a key role in clearing criminal hideouts and disrupting kidnapping routes in the zone.
Public Cooperation and Morgue Concerns
The police commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that safety depends on collective responsibility. He encouraged citizens to provide timely information that could help prevent crime.
Addressing reports of missing corpses from some private mortuaries, Agbonika described the acts as criminal and inhumane. He warned that offenders would face prosecution, adding that families should use government-owned mortuaries where proper oversight exists.
Agbonika reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and maintaining law and order across Edo State.
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