admin 
By (I.T). Inna Friday
The Edo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes, arresting 13 suspected kidnappers and rescuing nine kidnapped victims in August 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, disclosed this during the Command’s August end-of-month press conference, where he reviewed the security situation and operational achievements recorded across the state.
Police to reorganize local security network in Edo
Edo Gov Inaugurates College of Nursing Governing Council
Daaor said the Command also arrested 14 suspects over alleged armed robbery and related violent crimes, 19 suspected cultists, six suspected human traffickers and five suspects allegedly involved in store breaking and stealing.
He added that 12 suspects were arrested over alleged sexual and gender-based violence, with several of the suspects already arraigned in court.
The police boss said eight vehicles linked to suspected criminal activities were also recovered during the month under review.
Daaor described the arrest of five suspected members of a kidnapping and banditry network operating along the Auchi/Okene axis as one of the Command’s major achievements.
NNI blows hot, want Tinubu to call Umahi to order
According to him, the breakthrough followed the August 8 abduction of Mohammed Tasiu Imokhe and his wife at Jattu, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit immediately commenced investigation and intelligence gathering, supported by technical intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
The operation eventually led to the arrest of five suspects in Niger State on August 30.
The suspects were identified as Malam Jibril Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Tukur Adam, also known as Dogo, Musa Ibrahim and Iro Ibrahim.
The Commissioner said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects had allegedly participated in the Jattu kidnapping and other kidnapping operations in Edo and neighbouring Kogi State.
Daaor disclosed that information obtained from the suspects led police operatives to the Okpella forest, where they recovered two fabricated AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, six magazines and 200 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition on September 1.
He said the suspects were undergoing profiling while efforts were being intensified to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network.
The Commissioner warned criminals operating in Edo State that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to track them down, regardless of where they attempted to hide.
“Edo State is not a safe haven for criminals,” Daaor declared, warning kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, traffickers and other criminal elements that the police would pursue them wherever they operated.
While assuring law-abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Daaor appealed to members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies.
He stressed that community cooperation remained critical to preventing crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
The Commissioner said the Command would sustain its intelligence-led operations throughout September against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence and other forms of criminality.
He commended police officers and men, sister security agencies, hunters, forest guards and community partners for their sacrifices and contributions to the fight against crime.
Daaor also urged the media to verify security information before publication and continue to report responsibly.
