The Edo State Special Security Squad has recorded another major breakthrough, dismantling a kidnappers’ den in Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, and arresting two suspects believed to be part of a notorious kidnapping ring.
The operation, carried out over the weekend, reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s renewed push to secure communities and restore public confidence across rural and urban areas of the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, were arrested after what security officials described as a high-level, intelligence-led operation. Both men reportedly confessed to participating in the abduction of one Blessing Nosa, for whose release their gang collected a ransom of thirty million naira.
Their arrest followed a fresh incident in which they allegedly kidnapped another businessperson and demanded a ransom of five hundred million naira. The steep demand triggered a coordinated multi-agency response and sustained tracking that eventually led to their capture.
Speaking at the demolition of the hideout, Coordinator of the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, said the operation was in line with Governor Okpebholo’s directive to adopt an aggressive security strategy that stops crime before it takes root.
Idemudia said the administration remains uncompromising in its stance against criminality.
“These individuals have been in this trade for some time, and it is deeply unfortunate,” he said. “Let this serve as a clear warning: under Governor Okpebholo’s watch, Edo State is not a safe haven for kidnappers or any criminal elements.”
He added that similar, intelligence-backed operations will continue across all local government areas to systematically dismantle criminal networks.
Community leaders also welcomed the intervention. The Okaighele of Egbai community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, described the action as courageous and overdue, noting that criminal groups had exploited the area for years.
“This hideout has been a source of fear for our community,” he said. “We thank Governor Okpebholo for acting swiftly and prioritising the safety of our people.”
The demolition marks another step in the state government’s broader security agenda, which includes boosting rural surveillance, strengthening community intelligence networks and enhancing inter-agency collaboration. Residents say the reforms are already shifting the security atmosphere in many parts of the state.
As the administration advances its SHINE Agenda, it insists that security remains the foundation for economic recovery, social stability and community development.