The Edo State Police Command has disclosed that cultism and kidnapping dominated the state’s crime profile in 2025, with a total of 821 suspects arrested for various criminal offences across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists in Benin City on the Command’s operational activities for the year under review.

According to the police boss, a breakdown of arrests shows that 239 suspects were apprehended for cult-related activities, 171 for kidnapping, 117 for murder, 62 for rape and other sexual offences, 39 for armed robbery, and 36 for unlawful possession of firearms. An additional 157 suspects were arrested for other offences.

Although the Commissioner did not disclose the number of prosecutions, convictions secured or casualties recorded among police operatives during the year, he revealed that the Command successfully rescued 377 victims abducted by kidnappers.

CP Agbonika explained that the successes recorded were achieved through coordinated operations combining ground patrols and aerial surveillance, supported by strong inter-agency collaboration. He listed partner agencies involved to include the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, the Nigerian Air Force 107 Air Maritime Group, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, forest guards, local vigilantes and hunters.

He assured residents that the ongoing clearance operations across flashpoints in the state would be sustained beyond the festive period to ensure continuous safety.

While wishing Edo residents a peaceful Christmas and prosperous New Year, the Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

CP Agbonika also raised concern over reports of missing corpses from some private mortuaries in the state, describing such acts as criminal, inhuman and a gross violation of the dignity of the deceased as well as the emotions of bereaved families.

He warned that those involved in such practices would be prosecuted and advised families to patronise government-owned mortuaries where proper oversight and accountability are assured.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the Command’s 24-hour emergency lines remain active and urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities as the state enter the festive season.