By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The consistent support of the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been identified as a major factor behind recent security gains recorded in Etsako West, Sector-1, Edo North, as the Sector Commander of the Edo State Security Corps in the area, Mr. Yusuf Agbobuare, marked his first year in office.
In an exclusive interview to commemorate the milestone, Agbobuare recounted the difficult conditions he met upon assuming duty, describing his early days in office as highly challenging.
He said, noting that even basic infrastructure was lacking, "Yes, I’m celebrating one year in office. When I assumed office, there were a lot of challenges,”
“The office space was somehow, so I spoke to my community, Jattu–Uzairue Kingdom, and they offered me this office to enable me sit down and know what to do.”
He explained that internal reforms were immediately carried out to reposition the sector for effective service delivery.
He stated, “I brought out my men who will work with me because I discovered that most of those other people were polluted. Somebody who can easily compromise is not good for security,”
Agbobuare further disclosed that operations were initially hampered by severe logistical constraints. “Almost all the vehicles were grounded and the tools to work were difficult,” he said, adding that intervention later came from the Edo State Security Corps headquarters in Benin City. “They brought us some tools, and we have been managing them.”
Despite the early setbacks, the sector commander said significant progress has been recorded within the past year through a well-defined and targeted security strategy.
He noted, “When we came in, I sat down and drew my plan. I discovered that most of the crimes we were shouting about were coming from drugs,”
According to him, the sector focused on dismantling drug networks operating in the area, leading to multiple arrests and major seizures.
He revealed, “We arrested a lot of drug dealers. The drugs we seized then will amount to about ₦30 to ₦40 million,”
Beyond drug enforcement, Agbobuare said routine patrols and intensive bush-combing operations were carried out to safeguard residents and farmers across the sector.
He said, “Sometimes we arrest suspected kidnappers and hand them over to the police,”
“During the Christmas period and even before then, we arrested some of them. As I speak to you now, some are in the State CID anti-kidnapping squad in Benin, while others are in prison.”
He also highlighted a recent joint operation involving hunters, police, and vigilante groups, which led to the rescue of kidnap victims.
He explained, “We organised bush combing throughout the night for two days. To God be the glory, around 4:30am, we succeeded in rescuing about nine victims,”
On current challenges, the sector commander pointed to welfare issues but expressed confidence in the government’s assurances.
He said, “This work we are doing, nobody is being paid for now,”
"But the government has promised. I’m just coming from Irrua where we had a meeting with the Governor, and he has promised that we will be paid by the local government councils beginning from the end of this month.”
Agbobuare was emphatic in commending Governor Okpebholo’s support for security operations across the state.
He said, “The Executive Governor of Edo State has been very, very supportive,”
“Even recently, the state government sent some working materials to us to enable us meet up with our job.”
He added that the provision of motorcycles has significantly enhanced security operations in Edo North.
He noted, “He has also supported us with about 100 motorbikes, and that has been very helpful. There are some areas you cannot get to, but with those bikes, you can,”
While commending the government’s efforts, the sector commander appealed for additional advanced equipment to further strengthen operations.
He said, “We need vehicles, drones, trackers, and other materials. If the government can provide these things for the Edo State Security Corps, I believe we will do better,”
Advising communities and the general public, Agbobuare stressed the importance of timely information sharing.
He urged, “Let the community put their heads together and give us the support we need. Let them have our numbers and give us information when necessary,”
“If you see something, say something. Don’t keep information to yourself.”
The one-year anniversary was marked with the presentation of a gift to Agbobuare by the Ibie Road Unit of the Edo State Security Corps. While appreciating the gesture, he expressed gratitude to God for the successes recorded so far.
He said, "Despite all the challenges, no life was lost and we recorded victory. We pray that the Almighty will continue giving us victory. We will continue to worry them until they leave our land,”
