Targeted intelligence gathering, swift response and coordinated bush-combing operations have continued to yield positive results for the Edo State Police Command, with significant breakthroughs recorded in Esan West and Owan West Local Government Areas.
The successes are part of sustained security measures ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and denying criminals safe haven across the state.
Pipeline Vandalism: Five Suspects Arrested
On Monday, January 26, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the police received credible intelligence on the vandalism of a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) pipeline passing through Uhiele Community in Ekpoma. Operatives from the Ekpoma Division swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested five suspects in connection with the incident.
The suspects were identified as Omoregie Osayi (39), Mathias Okhae (58), John Akheoumukhan (50), Akhabue Smart (65) and Godday Abumere (65). An excavator allegedly used to damage the pipeline was recovered from them. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped and to recover pipes already removed from the site.
Bush-Combing Operation Nets Eight Suspected Kidnappers
In the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at about 3:30 a.m., a large-scale bush-combing exercise was carried out in Idoha/Ewu Forest and other identified hideouts, in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police.
The operation involved command tactical teams, the drone unit, Edo State Security Corps, hunters and vigilante members. During the exercise, three tents suspected to be kidnappers’ camps were discovered, leading to the arrest of eight suspects.
Those arrested were Jokoro Sali (52), Buhari Ibrahim (32), Isah Abubakar (35), Shehu Ibrahim (25), Abdullahi Samar (18), Ibrahim Shaibu (19), Mohammed Joro (22) and Suleiman Sunana (35). Five mobile phones believed to belong to kidnapped victims were also recovered. Investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate.
Kidnap Victims Rescued Unhurt
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., the Ekpoma Division received a distress call from Egoro Amende Community, reporting the abduction of a farmer and his two wives from their farm in a remote area of the community.
The victims—Abraham Udewa, Brinda Abraham and Anna Abraham, all from Benue State—were rescued following a joint operation led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division. The rescue team comprised police personnel, soldiers, Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and community youths participating in the Community Safety Partnership programme.
A thorough search was conducted across Egoro Amende Forest, Igbira Farm Settlement and Ekeke Erah Forest in Owan West Local Government Area. On sighting the advancing security operatives, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled.
The victims were rescued unharmed. Items recovered at the scene included cutlasses, a solar panel, torchlight, canvas, rope, palm oil and a face cap. Police said follow-up bush-combing and monitoring operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting critical infrastructure and dismantling organised criminal networks across the state.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance proactive policing.
Emergency and Complaint Lines
- Emergency Control Room: 08077773721, 08037646272
- Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335
- Complaints Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992
