By Ebinum Samuel
In a daring, intelligence-driven operation carried out in the early hours of today, at about 0300hrs of 26th February, 2026, the Edo State Police Command, under the decisive and result-oriented leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, launched a massive joint security sweep across strategic locations in Edo Central.
According to ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command Spokeswoman, acting on credible intelligence that ransom proceeds from kidnapping activities were being discreetly received and coordinated at identified “Zangos” in Agbede and Iruekpen, the Commissioner of Police personally led a formidable joint task force comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and local hunters in a synchronized enforcement action.
Coordinated raids on the identified zango settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen were carried out where actionable intelligence indicated that suspected kidnappers and their collaborators converge to receive ransom payments, regroup, and blend with unsuspecting members of the public.
The precision raids yielded the arrest of a total of one hundred and thirteen (113) suspects. All suspects are currently undergoing thorough profiling to ascertain their level of involvement.
Those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has reiterated that the Command’s onslaught against kidnapping organised networks will remain relentless and uncompromising. “He emphasized that the Police will not only target armed elements in the forests but will equally intensify efforts to degrade their financial and human support systems across the State.
“He further calls on residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
“The Edo State Police Command remains firm, proactive, and battle-ready to safeguard lives and property. The warning is unequivocal: there will be no sanctuary for kidnappers or their collaborators anywhere in Edo State” she said.
