Edo State police reported a major operational success in January, arresting 87 people suspected of kidnapping and freeing 30 victims, the state commissioner of police, Monday Agbonika, announced at the command’s end-of-month briefing in Benin.
Agbonika said the arrests were the result of stepped-up, intelligence-driven operations targeting violent criminals across the state.
The campaign concentrated on dismantling hideouts in forested areas and known trouble spots in Edo North and Edo Central.
He credited aerial support — including helicopter patrols and newly deployed drones — for improving surveillance and guiding coordinated bush-combing missions, night raids, highway checkpoints and sting operations. Those actions, he said, led to the discovery and destruction of multiple kidnap camps.
The commissioner emphasized that the operations were carried out jointly with other security agencies: the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the Edo Security Corps and local hunters.
Beyond kidnapping suspects, police also detained 13 men alleged to be involved in murder, 14 accused of armed robbery and 15 individuals linked to cult-related violence. Recoveries from the raids included six stolen cars, three motorcycles, 39 mobile phones and a range of weapons and ammunition. Seized arms reportedly comprised AK-47s, improvised rifles, cut-down shotguns, Dane guns, pistols and live rounds.
“Every weapon recovered is a life potentially saved. Every suspect arrested is a criminal network disrupted,” Agbonika stated.
He praised Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for authorizing helicopter deployment and tactical intelligence support, and thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for supplying drones and logistics that bolstered real-time aerial reconnaissance and operational effectiveness.