Edo Crime Response Unit launched as police adopt drones and digital tracking to tackle kidnappings and violent crimes

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has warned that criminal activities in the state have evolved into highly organised operations that now challenge conventional policing methods.

Also read: Edo Police Arrest 55 Suspected Kidnappers in Crackdown

Agbonika raised the alarm on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Benin City during the unveiling of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit of the command.

The police commissioner also expressed concern over the growing cases of sexual and gender-based violence across the state, describing the trend as deeply disturbing.

According to Agbonika, criminal groups involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related violence now operate in coordinated cells with clearly defined responsibilities, making technology-driven policing increasingly necessary.

“Criminality in recent times has evolved beyond conventional policing methods. Kidnappers, cult groups, armed robbers and other violent offenders now operate in organized cells with defined structures and responsibilities,” he said.

Agbonika disclosed that the command had introduced drones, high-tech surveillance systems, digital tracking tools and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen security operations, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.

The Edo Crime Response Unit announcement came alongside details of a recent operation that led to the arrest of an alleged kidnapping syndicate operating across Uromi, Ewatu, Emu, Okwesan, Ugboha and surrounding communities in Esan South-East.

The commissioner said the operation followed the abduction of Mrs Ezighode Ebosele and her 14-year-old son, Wisdom Ebosele, at Udoni Quarters in Irrua on May 1, 2026.

Agbonika explained that operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed combat drones, tracking devices and intelligence technology to coordinate a rescue mission.

“Through sustained aerial surveillance, technical intelligence and lawful interception of communication used for ransom negotiation, operatives successfully rescued the victims unhurt and arrested the notorious kingpin, Yusuf Hassan, also known as ‘Dogo Yellow’, alongside nine other members of the syndicate,” he stated.

Investigations, according to the commissioner, revealed that the syndicate operated as a structured criminal enterprise with informants, food suppliers, ransom negotiators and armed enforcers.

He further alleged that the gang had been actively recruiting additional members into its operations.

Agbonika also disclosed that police had arrested more than 23 suspects linked to rape, defilement and other sexual and gender-based violence offences within the last two months.

“This trend is painful, unacceptable and deeply concerning. Violence is never a solution to any disagreement or desire. Rather, it destroys lives, families and communities,” he said.

The commissioner vowed that the command would continue pursuing offenders and ensuring justice for victims and survivors.

Providing an update on the command’s recent achievements, Agbonika revealed that police had arrested 55 suspected kidnappers, 15 suspected cultists, eight armed robbery suspects, 15 murder suspects and three suspects for unlawful possession of firearms since March 2026.

He added that 58 kidnapped victims had also been rescued during the period.

“These achievements reflect effective application of strategic policing, collaboration with sister security agencies, community safety partnership and the courage of our officers and men,” the commissioner said.

Agbonika formally launched the Violent Crime Response Unit, which will be headed by CSP Osagie Godspower Etinosa.

He explained that the specialised unit was created by the Nigeria Police Force to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and violent organised crimes through intelligence-driven operations.

The commissioner stressed that the unit was designed to operate with professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in line with the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

Also read: Edo Police Rescue Kidnapping Victim, Arrest 10 Suspects

He also warned that officers attached to the unit were not authorised to carry out arbitrary stop-and-search operations, profiling of citizens or any form of misconduct.