Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, a notorious armed robber in Nigeria during the 1980s, was infamous for his reign of terror in the old Bendel State, now divided into Edo and Delta States. His criminal activities were so severe that they prompted discussions at State Security Council meetings. Anini' s career in crime came to a dramatic end when he was executed on March 29, 1987, following his conviction for armed robbery by a Benin High Court.

Born in 1960 in a village about 20 miles from Benin City, present- day Edo State, Anini moved to Benin at a young age. He became a skilled taxi driver and earned a reputation for managing conflicts among motor park operators and touts. This background provided him with valuable connections as he transitioned into criminal activities, initially working as a driver for gangs and later forming his own group. His gang, including notable members like Monday Osunbor and Ofege, engaged in car hijacking, bus robbery, and bank theft, expanding their operations to various cities beyond Benin.

Anini' s criminal activities intensified in 1986, largely due to perceived betrayals by the police. In early 1986, two gang members were prosecuted despite an earlier understanding with the police to ignore evidence against them. This betrayal incited retaliatory violence from Anini. In August 1986, a bank robbery linked to Anini resulted in multiple deaths, including that of a police officer. His violent spree continued as he targeted police officers, killing nine in just three months.