The Edo Special Security Squad has arrested two suspected kidnappers and demolished a property allegedly used as their operational base in the Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Monday Okpebholo, Mr Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Benin. He said the arrests stemmed from what security authorities described as a high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance operation executed across multiple locations.
According to the statement, the suspects confessed to participating in the abduction of a victim whose freedom was secured after a ransom payment of N30 million. They were also linked to the kidnapping of another businessperson, for whom they reportedly demanded a ransom of N500 million.
Itua noted that the arrest prompted a broader multi-agency response that ultimately uncovered and confirmed the building being used as the group’s primary operational hideout. The state government, through the Security Squad, subsequently demolished the structure in line with its anti-crime policy.
Coordinator of the squad, Mr Noah Idemudia, said at the demolition site that the operation aligns with the state’s directive to adopt proactive crime-prevention tactics rather than reactive measures. He stressed that the administration’s stance on criminality remains uncompromising.
He added that the Security Squad is intensifying rural and urban surveillance to deter both organised crime networks and emerging threats across Edo State.
Youth leader of the Egbai community, Mr Aghaku Ihanuwaze, commended the government for what he described as a long-overdue and decisive intervention. He said the community welcomed the operation as a necessary step to restore confidence and public safety.
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