The Edo State Police Command says it has arrested 55 suspected kidnappers and rescued 58 victims between March and May 2026 as part of intensified operations against violent crimes across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin while presenting the command’s operational scorecard at a press briefing.

Agbonika also said 15 suspected cultists, eight armed robbery suspects, 15 murder suspects, three suspects linked to unlawful possession of firearms, and 23 suspects involved in rape and defilement cases were arrested within the same period.

He said the results were achieved through sustained intelligence-led operations, enhanced surveillance and the deployment of technology such as drones, digital tracking systems and other security gadgets across the state.

According to him, security operations were intensified particularly in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He highlighted the rescue of Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom, who were abducted on May 1 at Udoni Quarters in Irrua, Edo Central.

Agbonika said operatives, using aerial surveillance and technical intelligence, successfully rescued the victims unhurt and arrested the alleged gang leader, Yusuf Hassan, also known as “Dogo Yellow,” alongside nine other suspects.

He explained that investigations revealed the existence of a structured criminal network involving informants, food suppliers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers.

The CP added that the arrested kingpin was traced to a hideout near Ubiaja, which has since been demolished and confiscated by the state government under the anti-kidnapping law.

Agbonika further disclosed that police operatives foiled another kidnap attempt on May 8 along the Benin–Akure Road between Ozoguo and Obazuwa communities.

He said officers, in collaboration with military personnel, engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and rescued a couple, Okarewagba Benth and his wife Ruth, unhurt, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.

The police also recovered two AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, seven locally fabricated firearms, and several rounds of ammunition during the operations.

Agbonika expressed concern over the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state, noting that over 23 suspects linked to rape and defilement had been arrested in the last two months alone.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on violent crimes and ensuring safety across Edo State.