Edo Police Launch New Measures To Tackle Extortion, Harassment By Officers

BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

In response to growing public outcry over alleged acts of extortion and harassment by its personnel, the Edo State Police Command has announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring accountability within its personnel.

A key part of the new strategy involves the restructuring of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering Unit, which will now operate under stricter guidelines and enhanced oversight.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, on Wednesday in Benin City, all tactical teams, area commands, and special units have been directed to ensure their officers appear in full uniform, with name tags permanently sewn on their clothing for easy identification by members of the public.

In a further bid to promote transparency, the Command has mandated that all unmarked police vehicles must carry identification stickers on the front and sides while on official duty.

Also, Point-of-Sale (POS) operators across the state have been advised to verify and document the identities of officers in unmarked vehicles before conducting any transactions.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika has ordered the immediate retraining of all police personnel statewide.

He also directed the Command’s X-Squad to lead enforcement of these new measures, warning that any officer found violating the directives will face strict disciplinary action.

The police Command however enjoined the public to report any misconduct of officers through the following numbers: Commissioner of Police: 08132919576, Police Public Relations Officer: 08036363531, Public Complaints Bureau: 08150999335, and Complaints Response Unit: 08100389992.

“The Edo State Command is aware of some social media reports alleging policemen involvement in certain acts of harassment and or extortion in the State.

“In a deliberate effort to checkmate and arrest the situation, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc has mapped out some steps, part of which was an engagement with Social media influencers in the State held in his office on 13/05/2025 and directed the immediate reform of the Anti-Money Laundering unit”, it stated.