FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Police Command has announced a series of major successes achieved between March and May 2026, including the arrest of 119 suspects and the rescue of 58 kidnapping victims. The disclosure was made by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, during a press conference held on Tuesday May 12th, 2026 in Benin City, where the Police unveiled its newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
Addressing Journalists, CP Agbonika detailed the various criminal offenses for which the suspects were apprehended, including Kidnapping, Cultism, Armed robbery, Murder, Unlawful possession of Firearms, rape, and defilement. He further revealed that Law Enforcement Officers recovered a significant cache of weapons and Ammunition during their Operations across the State, notably two AK-47 rifles, six Pump-Action Guns, seven Locally-Made Firearms, as well as 13 Cartridges and other Ammunition.
The Police Chief emphasized that the Edo State Police has adopted a modern, Intelligence-led, and Technology-Supported Approach to combat the rising security threats. “This is not just about figures or statistics; it’s about the resilience, sacrifice, strategic planning, and operational transformation within the Edo State Police Command in our unwavering commitment to rid Edo State of violent crimes and criminal elements,” Agbonika stated.
He highlighted the deployment of advanced tools such as combat drones, digital tracking systems, surveillance gadgets, and intelligence-led operations, which have significantly enhanced efforts to curb kidnapping, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts. One notable breakthrough involved the arrest of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to multiple abductions in communities including Uromi, Ewatu, Emu, Okwesan, and Ugboha in Esan South-East.
The breakthrough came after the abduction of Mrs. Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, at Udoni Quarters, Irrua, on May 1, 2026. Using drone surveillance and digital tracking technology, Anti-Kidnapping Unit operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation that resulted in the safe recovery of the victims. The operation led to the arrest of the syndicate’s alleged leader, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine other suspected gang members.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate operated a sophisticated criminal network involving informants, food suppliers, victim trackers, ransom negotiators, and armed enforcers. The suspected kingpin was apprehended at a hideout on the outskirts of Ubiaja, a property that had reportedly been demolished and confiscated by the state government under Edo’s anti-kidnapping law.
In another operation on May 8, police officers, supported by military personnel stationed at Obarenren, thwarted an attempted kidnapping along the Benin-Akure Road between Ozoguo and Obazuwa communities. Responding to gunfire during routine stop-and-search patrols, officers engaged the suspects in a gun battle, causing them to flee into the forest. During the incident, the police rescued two victims, Mr. Okarewagba Benth, 54, and his wife, Mrs. Ruth Okarewagba, 50, both residents of Iyowa Community, unharmed.
CP Agbonika also expressed concern over the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Edo State. He disclosed that over 23 suspects linked to rape and defilement had been arrested within the past two months, underscoring the police’s renewed focus on addressing this critical issue.
The event was further marked by the presentation of branded buses for the newly formed Violent Crime Response Unit and the conferment of an award on CSP Osagie Godspower Etinosa, the unit’s State Commander, in recognition of his leadership.
The Edo State Police Command’s proactive measures and strategic deployment of technology have garnered commendations from various stakeholders, who lauded the force’s commitment to restoring security and public confidence across the State.
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO FIC Benin
May 12th, 2026
