The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin City, Monday Agbonika, has paid tribute to police officers who lost their lives while serving in Edo State, describing them as gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price defending citizens.
Agbonika made the remarks on Monday, August 10, 2026, during the formal handover of the Edo State Police Command to the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor.
The AIG, who previously served as Commissioner of Police in Edo, recalled the difficult security challenges faced by the command during his tenure. He said the state experienced periods of protests involving youths, students, civil society organisations, parents and members of the business community.
According to him, some police officers serving as Commissioners in Edo lost their lives while carrying out their responsibilities, underscoring the risks faced by security personnel in the protection of communities.
Agbonika said one of his biggest challenges as Commissioner was gaining the trust and confidence of Edo residents. He explained that sustained engagement with communities eventually helped the police command build stronger relationships with the people and improve its ability to tackle security threats.
He urged his successor to maintain that approach by strengthening partnerships with stakeholders across the state.
Agbonika specifically called for continued engagement with civil society organisations, government agencies, traditional rulers, hunters, youths and other community groups.
He said closer cooperation with communities would help the police provide better security services at the grassroots and consolidate the progress already recorded by the command.
Taking over from Agbonika, Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor pledged to adopt community policing and operate an open-door administration.
Daaor assured residents that the Edo Police Command would remain highly mobile and proactive in confronting crime and criminal activities across the state.
He also promised to work towards strengthening public confidence in the police, stressing that officers must treat citizens with respect while carrying out their lawful duties.
The new commissioner further directed police personnel to remain civil and professional in their interactions with members of the public.
The change of leadership comes as security agencies across Nigeria continue to face pressure to strengthen community relations, improve intelligence gathering and respond more effectively to criminal activities.
For Edo State, the new administration is expected to build on existing community-based security strategies while deepening cooperation between the police, residents and other stakeholders.
