Police parade 77 suspects over kidnapping, murder, cultism in Edo

No fewer than 77 suspects arrested for various criminal offences were on Friday paraded by the Edo State Police Command following a series of operations carried out across the state in June 2026.

The suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from kidnapping and cultism to armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, rape and other sexual and gender-based violence-related crimes.

Addressing journalists during the parade, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the arrests reflected the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, strengthening public confidence in policing and ensuring transparency in security operations across the state.

Agbonika explained that the police intensified intelligence-driven operations throughout the month, targeting kidnapping gangs, cult groups, armed robbery syndicates and other violent criminals.

He added that the Command also strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies as well as community-based security stakeholders to improve crime-fighting efforts.

According to him, the sustained crackdown has considerably disrupted criminal activities in several parts of the state, stressing that Edo would not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

The police commissioner attributed the operational successes to the leadership and support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Bamidele Disu, whose directives, he said, have enhanced community-oriented and people-focused policing nationwide.

He also commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices, while appreciating the support received from other security agencies and residents of the state.

Giving a breakdown of the arrests, Agbonika disclosed that the suspects included 32 alleged kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, three suspected armed robbers, 11 murder suspects, two suspects arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 others linked to rape, defilement and other sexual and gender-based offences.

The commissioner further revealed that 38 kidnapped victims were rescued during separate intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical missions conducted in different locations across Edo State.

He noted that the achievements emphasized the Command’s determination to combat violent crime and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

Agbonika thanked residents of Edo State for their continued cooperation with the police, emphasising that credible and timely information from members of the public had played a major role in the Command’s successes.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and the support and cooperation of residents continue to make a significant difference in our operations,” he said.

The police boss also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support, while praising sister security agencies for maintaining effective inter-agency collaboration in the fight against crime.

He equally commended local vigilante groups, hunters and community safety volunteers for complementing police efforts through their vigilance and commitment to community security.