Edo Police Honours 5 Gallant Officers, As Philanthropist Donates Rice and Solar Fans to Boost Welfare

Edo Police Honours 5 Gallant Officers, As Philanthropist Donates Rice and Solar Fans to Boost Welfare

By Admin 

Five gallant officers of the Edo State Police Command have received special recognition for their exceptional performance and remarkable contributions to crime-fighting in the state. 

The honour was complemented by a welfare gesture from philanthropist, Mr. Afolabi Alayiwola, who donated five bags of rice and four solar-powered fans to the awardees.

The presentation was held at the Command Headquarters in Benin City.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, said the officers were recognised for their dedication, courage and tangible successes in combating kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across Edo.

He noted that the Command had earlier reported several breakthroughs, including the recovery of firearms and ammunition, arrest of suspected kidnappers, cultists and murder suspects, recovery of ransom, retrieval of stolen vehicles, and rescue of abducted victims through intelligence-driven operations.

According to him, the successes were achieved through professionalism, effective deployment of technology and intelligence, and strong community collaboration in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s community-oriented policing model.

“The IGP has charged us to adopt a problem-solving and people-focused approach to policing. That is why the Command now enjoys more public intelligence than before, and it is reflecting in our operational gains,” Agbonika stated.

 

The CP described the honoured officers as frontline operatives who have repeatedly risked their lives in dangerous missions against criminal gangs. He revealed that they often spent days in the forest tracking kidnappers under very harsh conditions.

“At times these officers stay in the bush for three days without food or water while on the trail of kidnappers. They have excelled in intelligence gathering, tech-driven policing, partnership with communities, and above all, in delivering results,” he said.

Agbonika added that the recognition was to motivate the recipients and encourage others to uphold professionalism. He disclosed that the Command would forward their names to the IGP for further commendation, including possible promotions.

He also stressed that discipline remains key, warning that while excellence will be rewarded, misconduct will be punished. 

“Officers found guilty of extortion and other unprofessional acts have been arrested and detained. This reward-and-sanction approach will deepen discipline and restore public trust,” he said.

 

Presenting the items, Mr. Alayiwola said the donation was his personal appreciation for the sacrifices of officers who protect lives and property despite the dangers involved.

He urged the beneficiaries and other officers to remain committed to duty.

The recipients are: SP Godspower Etinosa Osagie, SP Ikebe Peter Ogah, SP Mariam Andrew Iyobe, CSP Idaba Peters and ASP Shalom Jaret.

The officers thanked the donor and police leadership, describing the gesture as a morale booster that will spur them to do more. 

The event ended with photographs of the awardees with CP Agbonika and Mr. Alayiwola.