The Edo State Police Command says it arrested 77 suspected criminals and rescued 38 kidnap victims during coordinated security operations across the state in June 2026.

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika disclosed this during the command’s monthly briefing in Benin City. He said the arrests covered cases of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, rape and defilement.

According to him, 32 suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping, 15 for cultism, three for armed robbery, 11 for murder, two for unlawful possession of firearms and 14 for rape and defilement.

Agbonika said the rescued victims were freed through intelligence driven operations and coordinated tactical responses. He added that some of the suspects were linked to the kidnapping of passengers in a GUO Transport Company vehicle on the Benin to Akure Road, during which the driver was killed.

The commissioner said other suspects had been terrorising the Benin to Auchi Road, the Benin to Agbor to Warri Road and nearby communities before police operations disrupted their activities.

He credited the achievements to stronger intelligence gathering, aggressive field operations and collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, hunters and community volunteers.

Agbonika said the command would not relent in its efforts to deny criminals safe haven in Edo State. He said the police will continue to strengthen community policing, improve intelligence sharing and sustain lawful operations against violent crime.

He also commended security partners and community groups for supporting police operations, saying their cooperation remains essential to building a safer environment for residents, visitors and investors.