By Ebinum Samuel
Targeted intelligence, swift response, and coordinated Bush Combing operations, according to the Edo state police Command spokeswoman, ASP Eno Ikoedem have continued to yield results for the Edo State Police Command, as it records notable breakthroughs in Esan West and Owan West Local Government Areas. These successes, she said are part of sustained security measures ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, to disrupt criminal networks and deny offenders safe haven across the State.
“On Monday, 26th January, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., credible information was received regarding vandalism of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) pipeline passing through Uhiele Community, Ekpoma. Operatives of Ekpoma Division immediately mobilised to the location and successfully arrested five suspects in connection with the act. The suspects are Omoregie Osayi ‘M’, aged 39 years; Mathias Okhae ‘M’, aged 58 years; John Akheoumukhan ‘M’, aged 50 years; Akhabue Smart ‘M’, aged 65 years; and Godday Abumere ‘M’, aged 65 years. An excavator used to damage the pipeline was recovered from them. Efforts are in top gear to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene and recover pipes already carted away”
“On Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, at about 3:30 a.m., a coordinated bush-combing operation was carried out in Idoha/Ewu Forest and other identified hideouts, in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police. The operation comprised of command tactical teams, drone unit, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante members. Three tents suspected to be kidnappers’ camps were discovered during the exercise, leading to the arrest of eight suspects: Jokoro Sali ‘M’, aged 52 years; Buhari Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 32 years; Isah Abubakar ‘M’, aged 35 years; Shehu Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 25 years; Abdullahi Samar ‘M’, aged 18 years; Ibrahim Shaibu ‘M’, aged 19 years; Mohammed Joro ‘M’, aged 22 years; and Suleiman Sunana ‘M’, aged 35 years. Five mobile phones suspected to belong to Kidnapped victims were recovered. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the rest of the syndicate”.
ASP Ikoedem disclosed that on Thursday, 29th January, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., a distress call was received from Egoro Amende Community, Ekpoma, reporting the abduction of a farmer and his two wives from their farm in a remote area of the community. The victims were identified as Abraham Udewa ‘m’, Brinda Abraham ‘f’, and Anna Abraham ‘f’, all from Benue State. The Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, promptly led a joint rescue team comprising police personnel, soldiers, Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and some community youths who are volunteers of Community Safety Partnership program. Intensive search was conducted across Egoro Amende Forest, Igbira Farm Settlement, and Ekeke Erah Forest in Owan West Local Government Area. Upon sighting the advancing security operatives, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled. The victims were rescued unhurt. Items recovered include cutlasses, a solar panel, torch, canvas, rope, palm oil, and a face cap. Continuous monitoring and follow-up bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“The Edo State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructures, and dismantle organised criminal networks within the state. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information that will aid proactive policing.
The Command has several 24/7 contact numbers as follows;
1. Emergency Control Room Numbers
08077773721 &
08037646272
2. For Complaints;
Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) – 08150999335
Complaints Response Unit (CRU)- 08100389992”
