The Edo State Special Security Squad said it arrested two suspected kidnappers, and demolished property used for operation, at the Egbai community in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Benin City, signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua.

He said that the suspected kidnappers were arrested, following what security authorities described as a “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance.”

According to him, when paraded, the suspects confessed to their role in the abduction of a victim, whose release was secured after N30 million ransom payment.

He said that the suspects were arrested after allegedly abducting another businessman and demanded N500 million ransom.

According to him, the act triggered an expanded multi-agency response and sustained tracking that led to their arrest.

He said that the state governor’s security architecture consequently, demolished the property used as a major operational base by kidnappers in the Egbai community.

He reiterated Edo State government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence across the state’s rural and urban corridors.

Meanwhile, at the demolition site, coordinator of the squad, Noah Idemudia, said that the demolition of the hideout aligned with the state government’s directive to adopt security tactics that prevents crime before it festers.

Mr Idemudia said that the administration’s stance on criminality remained uncompromising.

On his part, Youth leader of Egbai community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, commended the governor for a courageous and long-overdue intervention.

He applauded the state for taking proactive steps to restore safety.

(NAN)