The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Eribo, has disclosed that the Command arrested a total of 3,490 suspects for various crimes across the state in 2025, assuring residents of sustained efforts to keep Ekiti safe and peaceful in the coming year.
Eribo made this known on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during a press conference to review the Command’s activities in 2025 and unveil strategies for improved policing in 2026. He commended the media for its support, describing journalists as critical partners in crime prevention and public enlightenment.
According to the police boss, Ekiti’s reputation as one of the safest states in the country was achieved through collaboration with law-abiding citizens, sister security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media. He also acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of officers and men of the Command.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for their continuous support, which he said contributed to the successes recorded by the Command during the year.
Eribo said although no society is completely crime-free, the Command recorded a significant reduction in major crimes in 2025 compared with 2024. He noted declines in murder cases from 53 to 37, kidnapping from 17 to seven, armed robbery from 18 to seven and rape from 41 to 31, among others.
He explained that swift response, intelligence-led policing and decisive action helped in confronting criminal activities and reducing their recurrence. All arrested suspects, he added, were thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.
Highlighting major breakthroughs, the commissioner cited the arrest of a notorious robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Ado-Ekiti, recovery of stolen vehicles and motorcycles, and the apprehension of suspected burglars and kidnappers across different parts of the state.
Eribo also disclosed that several stolen items, including vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones and electrical installations worth millions of naira, were recovered during various operations carried out by tactical units of the Command.
The commissioner further decorated officers who were recently promoted from the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Those decorated include CSP Adeniran Akinwumi, CSP Ofanson Vincent, CSP Ogunleye Kehinde and CSP Falade Sesan Reuben, charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Looking ahead to 2026, Eribo said the Command would intensify proactive policing through visibility patrols, raids of criminal hideouts, stop-and-search operations and sustained community policing initiatives, while also leveraging technology to combat crime. He urged the media to uphold ethical standards, avoid misinformation and prioritise accuracy over speed, while calling on residents to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the police.
