Kidnapping Syndicate Dismantled in Edo As Security Forces Arrest Key Members

By Ngozi Okeibunor

A major kidnapping syndicate has been dismantled in Edo State following the arrest of its key members and the demolition of their operational hideout in the Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

The suspects, Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, were apprehended by the Edo State Special Security Squad after a high-level, intelligence-driven operation. Upon arrest, they confessed to the abduction of one Blessing Nosa, for which they received a ₦30 million ransom.

Their capture was accelerated after they allegedly kidnapped another businessperson and made a ransom demand of ₦500 million, triggering an expanded multi-agency manhunt.

In a decisive move, security forces demolished the property used by the gang as their base. The Coordinator of the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, stated that the action was in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to employ offensive tactics that preempt crime.

“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,” Idemudia said, vowing that similar operations would continue across the state.

Community leaders in Egbai welcomed the development. Aghaku Ihanuwaze, the Okaighele (youth leader) of the community, thanked the governor for the “courageous and long-overdue intervention,” revealing that the area had been terrorized by criminal gangs for years.

The operation marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing security reforms, which include bolstering rural surveillance and strengthening community intelligence networks.