The Nigeria Police Force in Edo State has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, announcing the arrest of 55 suspected kidnappers and the rescue of 58 victims during coordinated operations across the state.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the command’s operational scorecard in Benin City, noting that the successes were achieved between March and May 2026.
According to him, the operations targeted kidnapping syndicates, armed robbers, cult groups, and other violent criminal networks operating in different parts of the state, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North.
Agbonika explained that security operatives deployed advanced tools including drones, digital tracking systems, surveillance gadgets, and intelligence-led policing strategies to track down suspects and rescue victims.
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He highlighted the rescue of a woman, Ezighode Ebosele, and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom, who were abducted in Irrua on May 1. They were reportedly freed unharmed following coordinated aerial surveillance and tactical ground operations that also led to the arrest of a suspected gang leader, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine other members of his network.
Investigations revealed that the gang operated a structured kidnapping system involving informants, ransom negotiators, food suppliers, and armed enforcers.
The commissioner also noted that another kidnapping attempt along the Benin–Akure Road on May 8 was foiled after police operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, rescuing two victims safely.
During the operations, the police recovered two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally fabricated firearms, and several rounds of ammunition.
Agbonika further raised concern over rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), revealing that over 23 suspects linked to rape and defilement had been arrested within the last two months.
He assured residents that the command would sustain its aggressive crackdown on criminal elements while strengthening intelligence-driven policing across the state.
The police also announced the establishment of a new tactical unit known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to enhance rapid response to kidnapping and armed robbery incidents.
The initiative aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at improving nationwide security operations.
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