NSCDC tactical squad hunts colleagues’ killers in Edo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps  has launched a full-scale tactical operation in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, following the killing of eight of its operatives and the abduction of a Chinese expatriate.

In a statement on Tuesday, corps spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, had ordered the deployment of special tactical squads to comb the forests, rescue the abducted expatriate, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

On Friday night, September 5, NSCDC operatives were ambushed while guarding critical infrastructure at the BUA Cement Company. Eyewitnesses said the officers engaged in a fierce three-hour gun battle.

Eight personnel were killed in the confrontation, but four expatriates working at the quarry section were rescued.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Audi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising the courage of the fallen operatives.

He said the intelligence-led manhunt, headed by Commander Dandaura Appollos of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, would involve 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 book,” the statement noted, while urging residents to provide useful information to aid the operation.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Audi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising the courage of the fallen operatives.

He said the intelligence-led manhunt, headed by Commander Dandaura Appollos of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, would involve 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 book,” the statement noted, while urging residents to provide useful information to aid the operation.

The CG also assured that security around the BUA facility had been reinforced to safeguard workers, expatriates, and critical assets.

“The corps will not succumb to threats or be deterred by subversive elements and evil perpetrators who carried out this heinous attack. Rather, we will remain focused and re-strategise to fulfil our statutory mandate,” Audi said.

He added that the NSCDC would continue engaging local communities through civil relations and non-kinetic measures to tackle insecurity.

This attack comes less than a year after a similar ambush in Shiroro, Niger State.

On November 18, 2024, Boko Haram insurgents attacked an NSCDC monitoring team escorting expatriates near Dagwachi Village.

Despite being outnumbered by more than 200 gunmen, the operatives fought back, reportedly neutralising over 50 insurgents.

Four officers were killed, one went missing, and two others returned to base unhurt.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Agun Gbenga, has called for stronger collaboration in safeguarding national assets.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday in Benin, themed “Collaborative Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure”, Gbenga stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on the uninterrupted operation of vital systems such as power plants, transport networks, communication facilities, and water treatment plants.

“There must be a collective effort in the protection of the nation’s assets. Our duty is to stay ahead of threats and ensure continuity of essential services,” he said, warning that cyberattacks, terrorism, sabotage, and vandalism remain major risks.

 Head of Department, NSCDC Edo Command, Sule Muhammad,underscored the need for regular surveillance of critical infrastructure.

Other stakeholders also highlighted concerns. Retired Lt. Col. David Aghedo, Chief Security Officer of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, lamented that vandalism remains the most common threat, often carried out by “enlightened and well-read individuals.”

Similarly, Assistant General Manager of Transmission Company of Nigeria, Benin Region, Matthew Ariyibi, warned that scavengers pose a growing threat and cautioned against erecting shops under transmission towers.