Edo CP Orders Reorganisation of Ekpoma Division; 11 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Firearms Recovered

The Edo State Police Command has announced a major shake-up in its Ekpoma Division and reported significant operational successes following recent security operations.

In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, confirmed the reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division and announced the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze as the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) with immediate effect. The move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security assessment and strategic repositioning in the area.

The command also revealed the arrest of Obehi Odine, 18, who staged her own kidnapping along Old INEC Road, Ekpoma, demanding a ₦10 million ransom. The suspect confessed to fabricating the incident to extort money, highlighting the police’s warning against false kidnapping reports that waste resources, cause panic, and undermine public confidence.

In a separate operation in Ubiaja, a coordinated bush-combing exercise led by the Divisional Police Officer, in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), resulted in the arrest of 11 male suspects linked to an organized kidnapping syndicate. A concealed forest enclave, identified through drone intelligence, was stormed, leading to the seizure of 24 Dane guns, 17 cutlasses, 3 battle axes, gun powder, torchlights, mobile phones, solar panels, charms, one motorcycle, and ₦209,700 in cash, among other items.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to technology-driven policing, intelligence-led operations, and forest domination to dismantle criminal networks across Edo State. He also urged the public to provide timely and credible information through the emergency contact lines to aid law enforcement.

Contact Numbers:

• Emergency Control Room: 08077773721, 08037646272

• Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335

• Complaints Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992

The Edo State Police Command emphasized that individuals found staging false kidnapping reports will be prosecuted, reinforcing the importance of supporting law enforcement in genuine security matters.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, signed the statement.