EDO POLICE ARREST 55 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE 58 VICTIMS IN TWO MONTHS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, on Tuesday disclosed that the command arrested 55 suspected kidnappers and rescued 58 victims between March and May 2026 as part of intensified operations against violent crimes across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City, Agbonika said the police also arrested 15 suspected cultists, eight armed robbery suspects, 15 murder suspects, three suspects linked to unlawful possession of firearms and 23 suspects connected to rape and defilement cases within the review period.
The police commissioner stated that the command had strengthened its operations through the deployment of drones, digital tracking systems, surveillance gadgets and intelligence-led policing, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.
Agbonika highlighted the recent rescue of Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom, who were abducted on May 1 at Udoni Quarters in Irrua, Edo Central.
According to him, operatives used aerial surveillance technology and technical intelligence to rescue the victims unhurt and arrest the alleged gang leader, Yusuf Hassan, popularly known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine other gang members.
Investigations, he said, revealed that the syndicate operated a structured criminal network involving informants, food suppliers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers.
The CP added that the suspected kingpin was arrested at a criminal hideout near Ubiaja, which has since been demolished and confiscated by the Edo State Government under the state’s anti-kidnapping law.
“In the period under review, 55 suspected kidnappers were arrested, and 58 victims were rescued between March and May 2026,” Agbonika stated.
He further disclosed that police operatives, alongside military personnel, foiled another kidnap attempt on May 8 along the Benin-Akure Road between Ozoguo and Obazuwa communities.
According to him, security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle and successfully rescued two victims, Okarewagba Benth and his wife, Ruth, unharmed.
Agbonika said bush combing operations were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects connected to the attack.
The commissioner also revealed that the command recovered two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally-made firearms, 13 cartridges and other ammunition during the operations.
Expressing concern over rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the state, Agbonika described the trend as disturbing and unacceptable.
“Within the last two months alone, the command has arrested over 23 suspects linked to rape, defilement and other SGBV-related offences. This trend is painful, unacceptable and deeply concerning,” he said.
He assured residents that the command would continue aggressive operations against criminal elements while strengthening tactical capacity and investigative professionalism across Edo State.
Meanwhile, the command has launched a new tactical outfit known as the Violent Crime Response Unit to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state.
Agbonika described the VCRU as a specialised intelligence-driven squad established in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to improve operational response to emerging security threats nationwide.
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