The Edo State Police Command has warned members of the public and corporate organisations to be wary of a wave of fake bomb threats issued by unidentified fraudsters seeking to extort money.
The alert was contained in a public advisory released on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
According to her, the police have observed a growing trend where anonymous callers threaten individuals, business owners, and companies with claims that explosive devices have been planted on their premises.
“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation,” she said, adding that the Command is actively investigating the reported cases.
Ikoedem urged residents not to panic or give in to such demands, assuring that the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit is fully equipped to detect and neutralise any explosive devices.
“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272,” she advised.
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The Command also cautioned against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic, urging citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious persons or objects in their surroundings.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed the deployment of specialised units — including the EOD Team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads — to respond swiftly to any reported threats and ensure public safety.
The Command further disclosed that it is working with telecommunications providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.
Security experts note that using bomb threats as a tool for extortion is a known criminal tactic globally. Such scams exploit fear and uncertainty to manipulate victims into paying money.
The South-South region, including Edo State, has faced security challenges in recent years. A July 2024 report by the European Union Agency for Asylum noted multiple incidents of violence against civilians in the region throughout 2023.