The Edo State Police Command displayed 77 detainees apprehended for various criminal acts on Friday, the result of a series of operations conducted across the state in June 2026.
The defendants were seized on charges ranging from kidnapping and cultism to armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of guns, rape, and other sexual and gender-based violence crimes.
Addressing journalists during the procession, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika stated that the arrests demonstrated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, increasing public trust in policing, and maintaining transparency in security operations across the state.
Agbonika added that the police increased intelligence-driven operations throughout the month, focusing on abduction gangs, cult organisations, armed robbery syndicates, and other violent offenders.
He also stated that the Command has expanded engagement with sister security agencies and community-based security partners in order to better crime-fighting activities.
According to him, the ongoing crackdown has significantly disrupted criminal activities in numerous sections of the state, and Edo will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.
The police commissioner ascribed the operational gains to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Bamidele Disu, whose orders he claimed improved community-oriented and people-focused policing across the country.
He also praised the Command’s officers and men for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices, while expressing gratitude to other security agencies and state residents.
Agbonika provided a breakdown of the arrests, revealing that the suspects included 32 alleged kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two suspects arrested for illegal firearm possession, and 14 others linked to rape, defilement, and other sexual and gender-based crimes.
The commissioner also said that 38 kidnapped victims were rescued following separate intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical activities carried out in various areas throughout Edo State.
He highlighted that the accomplishments demonstrated the Command’s commitment to combating violent crime and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
Agbonika praised Edo State citizens for their sustained collaboration with the police, underlining that authentic and timely information from the public played a critical role in the Command’s success.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and the support and cooperation of residents continue to make a significant difference in our operations,” he stated.
The police chief also thanked the Edo State Government for its assistance, while commending sister security services for their effective inter-agency collaboration in the battle against crime.