The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Patrick Daaor, has pledged to strengthen community policing and deepen public trust as he assumes duty as head of the state command.
Daaor made the commitment on Monday, August 10, 2026, while taking over from the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who has been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin City.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Daaor assured Edo residents of a proactive and highly mobile police command capable of confronting crime and criminality while maintaining an open-door policy.
He said his administration would prioritise engagement with communities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to improve security across the state.
“We will work towards winning more of the trust of the good people of Edo State and will ensure that every policeman has respect for every citizen of their state,” Daaor said.
The new commissioner also urged officers of the command to remain civil and professional while carrying out their lawful duties.
Earlier, Agbonika said his tenure as commissioner was marked by several challenges, including protests involving youths, students, civil society organisations, parents and members of the business community.
He identified winning the trust and confidence of Edo residents as his greatest challenge during his tenure, noting that sustained engagement eventually earned the command greater public support.
Agbonika said the achievements recorded by the command came at a significant cost, with some police officers losing their lives while serving in the state and defending citizens.
He said the command recognised and honoured the courage and sacrifices of officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Agbonika advised his successor to build on the command’s achievements, particularly its efforts to strengthen grassroots policing.
He urged Daaor to sustain engagement with civil society organisations, government agencies, traditional rulers, hunters, youths and other community stakeholders in the fight against insecurity.
He stressed that sustained collaboration with communities would remain critical to effective policing and the maintenance of peace and security across Edo State.
