The Edo State Police Command has graduated a new set of female officers into a tactical squad as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and response across the state.
The move aligns with the command’s broader strategy to enhance operational capacity and promote gender inclusion in policing. Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, has been at the forefront of retraining and deploying specialised personnel to tackle insecurity.
The command recently trained 160 officers in two batches in advanced combat operations, covering VIP escort, ambush and counter-ambush tactics, musketry, combat craft, tactical retrogression movement, and search and rescue operations. The training was ordered by CP Otimenyin to enhance operational capabilities.
“In her quest to rid the state of crime, the Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, directed the immediate retraining of personnel to enhance their operational capabilities in tackling the challenges ahead,” the command said. A total of 160 personnel have so far been retrained.
CP Otimenyin urged the officers to remain vigilant and courageous in responding swiftly to security threats while maintaining professionalism and ethical conduct. “She charged the personnel to remain vigilant and courageous in responding swiftly to security breaches while upholding high professional standards, free from harassment, intimidation, and extortion,” the statement read.
The command also secured the deployment of female police officers to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to strengthen response to gender-based violence. The approval was granted by CP Otimenyin during a courtesy visit by the ministry’s management team.
Hon. Marie Bisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Women Affairs, said the collaboration would lead to a significant reduction in GBV cases. “She posited that the collaboration between their offices would lead to a significant reduction in GBV cases in the State,” Idaomi said. CP Otimenyin pledged commitment to swift responses and called for increased sensitization to dissuade perpetrators.
In May 2026, the command also launched the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, a specialised unit to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and organised violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations. The unit operates under civilian oversight with mandatory human rights, marksmanship and investigation training.
Police authorities said the graduation of female tactical officers, alongside the VCRU and retraining programmes, reflects a renewed focus on modern, accountable and community-oriented policing. “We will continue to evolve, improve and deploy all lawful means available to confront crime and ensure Edo remains unsafe for criminals and safe for residents,” the command assured.
