ABUJA — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered an immediate tactical response following the killing of eight of its operatives and the abduction of a Chinese expatriate in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the corps spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, directed the deployment of special tactical squads to comb the area, rescue the kidnapped expatriate, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident occurred on Friday, September 5, when NSCDC personnel attached to the BUA Cement Company were ambushed while safeguarding critical infrastructure. Eyewitnesses said the operatives engaged in a fierce three-hour gun battle during which eight officers were killed. Four expatriates working in the quarry section were rescued.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, Audi commended the bravery of the fallen operatives and announced a full-scale intelligence-led operation. The operation is being spearheaded by the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, headed by Commandant CC Dandaura Appollos, with support from the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Special Protection Units.
According to the statement, the deployed teams have been given “an express order to effect possible arrest, rescue the kidnapped expatriate, and consequently bring the perpetrators to book.” The corps also appealed to the public to provide credible information to aid the manhunt.
Audi further assured that security at the BUA Cement facility had been reinforced to protect both indigenous workers and expatriates, as well as the company’s critical assets.
“The corps will not succumb to threats or be deterred by subversive elements who carried out this heinous attack. Rather, we will remain focused and re-strategise to effectively discharge our statutory mandates,” Audi said.
The NSCDC boss added that alongside kinetic operations, the corps would intensify civil engagement with local communities to help tackle security challenges in the region.
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This is not the first time NSCDC personnel have come under heavy attack. On November 18, 2024, a monitoring team inspecting National Grid installations in Shiroro, Niger State, was ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents. That assault, which extended into Kaduna State, left four officers dead, one missing, and dozens wounded, even as operatives reportedly neutralised over 50 insurgents.
