The Ekiti State Police Command arrested 3,490 suspects for various criminal offences across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas in 2025.
The command also reported 31 cases of rape, down from 41 in 2024, signaling a decline in sexual offences.
Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
He reviewed the Command’s activities for the year and outlined strategies to combat crime in 2026.
CP Eribo said the arrests spanned offences such as rape, defilement, theft, armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary, and other criminal acts, all handled in line with due process.
“All suspects arrested were thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law, contributing significantly to peace and security in the state,” he added.
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He acknowledged that no society is entirely crime-free but noted that 2025 saw reductions across several crime indicators due to swift response, intelligence-led operations, and strong collaboration with stakeholders.
On sexual offences, rape cases dropped by 10 from 41 in 2024 to 31 while defilement cases slightly declined from 26 to 24.
CP Eribo attributed the decline to decisive policing, timely interventions, and the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice and deterring offenders.
A comparative crime analysis released by the Command also showed notable reductions in other crimes: murder fell from 53 to 37, kidnapping from 17 to seven, armed robbery from 18 to seven, cultism-related incidents from 12 to seven, house-breaking from 82 to 65, and attempted murder from 26 to 18.
“These achievements are not accidental. They reflect the professionalism and commitment of our officers, and the support we receive from the government, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the media,” CP Eribo said.
Highlighting major arrests in 2025, he noted that notorious criminals, including armed robbers, kidnappers, and burglars, were apprehended, preventing attacks on banks, homes, and individuals.
In November, police arrested a gang of armed robbers and kidnappers in Ado-Ekiti, including an ex-convict and jailbreak escapee linked to multiple crimes. The suspects were arraigned in court.
CP Eribo also reported arrests of gangs responsible for stealing over 20 motorcycles in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, and Iworoko-Ekiti, as well as burglary suspects who vandalised properties worth millions of naira.
Several informants aiding kidnappers were also arrested, disrupting criminal networks.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Commissioner promised intensified proactive policing through patrols, stop-and-search operations, raids, bush combing, and technology deployment to tackle evolving crime trends.
He also warned against misinformation, urging the media to verify facts and collaborate with security agencies.
CP Eribo commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and officers of the Command for their support while urging residents to remain law-abiding.
“With sustained collaboration and professionalism, we are committed to making 2026 safer and more peaceful than 2025,” he assured.