The Edo State Police Command has announced a major security repositioning in Ekpoma, following the reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division and a series of successful operations that led to the uncovering of a self-kidnapping case and the arrest of 11 suspected kidnappers in Ubiaja.

In a statement released by the Command, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, ordered the reorganisation as part of ongoing security assessments and strategic efforts to strengthen policing in the area. Consequently, CSP Tomofe Nwabueze has been posted as the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma Division, with immediate effect.

Shortly after assuming duty, the new DPO responded to a report of a suspected kidnapping along Old INEC Road, Ekpoma, received at about noon on 12 January 2026. Swift deployment of operational and technical intelligence resources led to the arrest of the caller, whose claims were later found to be false.

Investigations revealed that the incident was a case of self-kidnapping. The suspect, identified as Obehi Odine ‘F’, an 18-year-old female, was arrested for allegedly staging her own abduction and demanding a ransom of N10 million. She reportedly confessed to fabricating the incident in an attempt to extort money.

In a related development, the Command recorded another major breakthrough in Ubiaja, where a bush-combing operation led to the arrest of 11 male suspects believed to be members of an organised kidnapping syndicate. The operation was personally led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ubiaja, in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).

Acting on intelligence supported by drone surveillance, security operatives stormed a concealed forest enclave around Akwocha Camp and adjoining forest corridors, suspected to be a kidnapping and logistics base. The operation resulted in the recovery of 24 Dane guns, 17 cutlasses, three battle axes, gun powder, torchlights, mobile phones, solar panels, assorted charms, one Daylong motorcycle, and N209,700 in cash, among other exhibits.

CP Agbonika warned members of the public against making false kidnapping reports and engaging in deceptive acts, noting that such actions waste critical security resources, divert attention from genuine emergencies, and create unnecessary panic. He stressed that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.

The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to technology-driven policing, aggressive forest domination, and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and enhancing security across Edo State.