The Edo State Police Command has recorded major operational successes across the state following intensive, intelligence-driven security operations carried out over the weekend to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who said the operations form part of sustained efforts by the Command to suppress crime and strengthen public safety across Edo State.
In one of the operations conducted on Saturday, January 24, police operatives, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, carried out a bush-combing exercise along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu after receiving credible intelligence on criminal hideouts in the area. The operation, led by CSP Sunday Ehimare, came under gunfire from suspected hoodlums, forcing the operatives to respond decisively. The suspects fled into the forest, abandoning an AK-47 rifle loaded with thirty rounds of live ammunition. Bush-clearing operations in the area are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, on Sunday, January 25, a drone-assisted operation led by CSP Solomon Oseghale at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma resulted in the arrest of four suspected kidnappers. Those arrested include Mohammed Lawal, Ashiru Ibrahim, Abubakar Umoru, and Umoru Ali. Items recovered during the operation include two locally fabricated guns and four mobile phones, while other suspects reportedly escaped with weapons. The suspects are currently under investigation and will be charged to court.
In another development, a 58-year-old farmer, Monday Adero, who was kidnapped on January 22 while heading to his farm in Okpella, was successfully rescued following a coordinated operation involving police operatives, vigilantes, and hunters. During the rescue at the Uluoke forest axis, the kidnappers engaged security operatives in a gun duel but fled after being overpowered. One of the suspects, Gehi Ibrahim, who sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, was later traced and arrested. The victim was rescued unhurt and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Meanwhile, three persons kidnapped from their residence at Dr Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma, on January 23 were also rescued unhurt following a joint operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante groups. The victims were reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Command also arrested a suspected kidnapper, Rabiu Mohammed Bello, at Idoha Pipeline Community in Esan West Local Government Area following reports of armed herders in the area. Investigation is ongoing.
In Uromi, police arrested fourteen suspects in connection with a violent disturbance suspected to be cult-related during a burial ceremony. The suspects allegedly hijacked a corpse and attacked two commercial motorcyclists, leaving them with serious injuries. Police recovered several dangerous weapons, while the injured victims were taken to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Additionally, operatives attached to the Ewu Division rescued a kidnapped couple from a forest hideout at Igun Forest, Agbede, and arrested five suspects. Items recovered include live ammunition, mobile phones, and a motorcycle.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives and community security partners for their professionalism and synergy, noting that the use of modern technology such as drones has enhanced operational efficiency. He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustained patrols, intelligence-led policing, and swift response to all security threats across the state.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance collective safety.