The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a full-scale tactical operation in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, following the killing of eight of its personnel and the abduction of a Chinese expatriate.
In a statement on Tuesday, corps spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed that Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Audi ordered the deployment of special tactical squads to comb forests, rescue the abducted expatriate, and apprehend the attackers.
The deadly ambush occurred on the night of September 5, while NSCDC operatives were guarding the BUA Cement Company. Eyewitnesses reported a fierce three-hour gun battle. While eight officers were killed, four expatriates working at the quarry were rescued.
Commandant General Audi expressed deep sorrow over the loss, commending the bravery of the fallen officers. He said the intelligence-led manhunt, directed by Commander Dandaura Appollos of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, involves the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics, and Special Protection Units.
“The deployed teams have an express order to rescue the kidnapped expatriate, effect arrests, and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said, urging residents to provide information to support the operation. Audi added that security around the BUA facility has been reinforced to safeguard workers, expatriates, and critical assets.
“This corps will not be deterred by subversive elements. We remain focused on fulfilling our statutory mandate,” he said, noting continued engagement with local communities to address insecurity through civil relations and non-kinetic measures.
The attack comes less than a year after a similar ambush in Shiroro, Niger State, where NSCDC personnel faced over 200 Boko Haram insurgents while escorting expatriates. That incident left four officers dead and one missing.
Meanwhile, NSCDC Edo State Commandant Agun Gbenga emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting national assets during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin on Tuesday. “Nigeria’s progress depends on uninterrupted operation of critical systems such as power plants, transport networks, communication facilities, and water treatment plants,” he said, highlighting risks from cyberattacks, terrorism, sabotage, and vandalism.
Sule Muhammad, Head of Department, NSCDC Edo Command, stressed the need for constant surveillance of critical infrastructure, while other stakeholders, including Benin Electricity Distribution Company and Transmission Company of Nigeria officials, highlighted vandalism and illegal activities as ongoing threats.
