Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Edo State Police Command has disclosed that a total of 821 suspects have been arrested by operatives of the command
for various criminal offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and others between January and December 2025.
The State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, revealed this in Benin while briefing journalists on the achievements of the Command in the year under review.
A breakdown of the 821 suspects is as follows: 39 for armed robbery, 171 for kidnapping, 117 for murder, 62 for rape/sexual offences, 239 for cultism, 36 for unlawful possession of firearms, and 157 for other unspecified offences.
In addition, operatives of the Command secured the release of 377 kidnapped victims, recovered 11 stolen vehicles, and seized 188 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
Agbonika said the achievements were made possible through robust inter-agency collaboration involving the Nigerian Army Mechanised 4 Brigade, the NAF 107 Air Maritime Group, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), forest guards, local vigilante groups, and hunters.
“This joint approach underscores our collective resolve to confront and decisively neutralise security threats in the state.
“As we celebrate the Christmas season and prepare for the New Year, I wish the good people of Edo State a peaceful, safe, and prosperous festive period.
“I urge everyone to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies,” Agbonika stated.
Speaking on the trending issues of missing corpses and alleged organ harvesting in the state, the CP warned the perpetrators of such a heinous act to desist from it.
“Permit me to use this opportunity to issue a strong warning against the disturbing trend of disappearance of corpses from some morgues within Edo State.
“Such acts are criminal, inhuman, a callous and gross violation of the sensitivity of the bereaved, and i assure the public that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law without exception.
“I also advise families and those in need of mortuary services to patronize government-owned mortuaries where proper oversight and accountability are guaranteed”, Agbonika said.