Edo Police Command Says It Lost Four Officers In One Year, Deploys 5,000 For Yuletide Security

BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

Edo State Police Command has said four of its officers lost their lives in the line of duty within the last one year, even as it announced the deployment of over 5,000 personnel across the state to ensure security during and after the Yuletide festivities.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who said the deployment covers Benin City and other parts of the state.

According to the statement, the security measures include the establishment of roadblocks and checkpoints on major roads, following prevailing crime trends and the need to protect lives and property during the festive period.

It said officers have been directed to carry out lawful stop-and-search operations to prevent crime, intercept criminal elements and ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.

The statement noted that within the period under review, eight police personnel sustained injuries, while four others lost their lives during encounters with criminal elements who refused to submit to lawful searches and attempted to evade security checks by driving recklessly.

The Command explained that the incident informed its decision to strengthen stop-and-search operations as a proactive response to security challenges in the state.

It however appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel by slowing down at checkpoints, remaining civil and patient, and complying with lawful inquiries.

The police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy on extortion and unprofessional conduct, assuring the public that officers deployed for the assignment had been warned to act professionally at all times.

ASP Eno urged members of the public to report any misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit on 08100389992, the Public Complaints Bureau on 08150999335, or the emergency lines 08077773721 and 08037646272.

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police could also be reached directly on 08132919576.

The Edo State Police Command wished residents of the state a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.