By Peter Omopo
The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested two suspected kidnappers and demolished their operational hideout in the Egbai community of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed on Sunday in a statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo. According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended on Saturday after a “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance” operation.
During their parade, the suspects reportedly confessed to kidnapping one Blessing Nosa, for whose release they collected a ransom of ₦30 million. Authorities said the pair came under intensified scrutiny after they abducted another businessperson and demanded a ransom of ₦500 million, triggering a coordinated multi-agency response that ultimately led to their arrest.
At the demolition site of the kidnappers’ base, the Coordinator of the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, said the operation reflects the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to an “offensive” security strategy aimed at preventing crime rather than reacting to it.
“These individuals have been in this trade for some time, and it is deeply unfortunate,” Idemudia 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 operations will continue across the state to dismantle criminal networks and reinforce public safety.
The Okaighele (youth leader) of Egbai Community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, commended the governor for what he called “a courageous and long-overdue intervention,” noting that the criminal hideout had long been a source of fear.
“This hideout has been a source of fear for our community. We thank Governor Okpebholo for acting swiftly and prioritising the safety of our people,” he said.
The latest arrests add to a string of security operations carried out by the Edo Special Security Squad in recent weeks. Earlier this month, 31 suspects were arrested in Uromi following violent clashes between rival cult groups on November 13. Additional raids were conducted on November 16 across several known criminal hideouts in Ivue-Uromi and Okhenlen-Uromi.
The state government says these actions underscore its intensified commitment to restoring peace and public confidence across both rural and urban communities.
