Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Edo State Police Command has launched an extensive tactical and investigative capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening security operations across Edo State amid growing concerns over violent crime and emerging security threats.
The Command disclosed that the initiative follows directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on continuous professional development and operational readiness within the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement issued by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikedem, the command commenced comprehensive firearms training, musketry exercises and combat drills for police constables on March 23, 2026. A total of 480 officers drawn from different police formations across the state were selected for the exercise.
Police authorities explained that the training is designed to improve discipline, operational precision, professionalism and combat readiness among officers deployed across Edo State. The programme is being conducted at Police Mobile Force Squadrons 5, 60 and 82 located across Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts to ensure wider operational coverage.
The training is structured in batches, with each phase accommodating 60 constables undergoing intensive tactical exercises and weapons handling sessions. The command said the initiative seeks to improve officers’ ability to professionally and responsibly handle firearms while responding effectively to evolving security threats.
The development comes as security agencies across Nigeria continue facing challenges linked to kidnappings, armed robbery, cult violence and attacks by criminal gangs in several states. Edo State has in recent years recorded incidents involving violent crimes, particularly along some highway corridors and rural communities.
In a further effort to improve operational response, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, directed specialized tactical training for selected personnel on the deployment and operational use of General Purpose Machine Guns and gun trucks recently supplied to the command through support from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
According to the command, the specialized training commenced on May 1, 2026, and focuses on preparing officers for rapid tactical response operations in high-risk situations, especially in Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts where security concerns have reportedly intensified.
Police authorities stated that the exercise is aimed at improving the command’s ability to deploy superior firepower against armed criminal groups where necessary while maintaining compliance with global policing standards and established rules of engagement.
On the investigative side, the command also announced a specialized training programme for Divisional Crime Officers and Investigating Police Officers focusing on the legal framework governing audio-visual statement recording within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The police said the programme covers provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Evidence Act 2011 and constitutional safeguards guiding the recording of confessional statements and suspect interviews.
According to the statement, the training is intended to reduce technical errors during investigations, improve evidentiary standards and ensure that criminal cases are not weakened in court due to procedural lapses.
The Edo State Police Command noted that the combined tactical and investigative reforms are part of broader efforts to improve professionalism, operational efficiency and public confidence in policing across the state.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that sustained investment in human capacity and tactical development would continue in order to stay ahead of criminal elements. He also urged members of the public to support security operations by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement authorities.
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