The Edo State Police Command has announced major security achievements in 2025, including the arrest of 821 suspects and the rescue of 377 kidnap victims from January to date.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Monday while unveiling the command’s security measures to guarantee peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations across the state.
Agbonika revealed that the command recorded significant successes against violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms. He added that police operatives also recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles during the period.
Highlighting one of the year’s major operations, Agbonika explained that a forest clearance exercise was conducted in Edo North between December 14 and 20. The operation, which he personally led, was aimed at denying criminal elements access to ungoverned spaces often used as hideouts.
The exercise was carried out with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who authorised the deployment of police helicopters, drones, and other logistics support provided by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“This operation featured coordinated deployment of ground troops and aerial assets to ensure comprehensive coverage, and it will be sustained,” Agbonika said.
The clearance operation involved joint efforts from multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), forest guards, vigilantes, and local hunters.
Agbonika stressed that such collaboration was essential to maintaining peace and security across Edo State.
The commissioner raised concerns over reports of corpses disappearing from some private mortuaries in the state, describing the acts as “criminal, inhuman, and a gross violation of the sensitivity of the bereaved.”
He warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law and advised families to patronise government-owned mortuaries where oversight and accountability are guaranteed.
Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing during the festive season. Measures include:
- Intensified patrols across major routes and communities
- Stop-and-search operations
- Strategic deployments of personnel
- Sustained community engagement to deter crime and reassure residents
He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that public support is vital to sustaining security gains.
“As we celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year, I wish the good people of Edo State a peaceful, safe, and prosperous festive period,” Agbonika said.nication?
