NSCDC Moves to Arrest Killers of 8 Operatives in Edo, Deploys Special Squads
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the immediate deployment of Special Tactical Squads to Edo State following the killing of eight operatives in an ambush by armed attackers.
The directive, contained in a press statement signed by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, said the teams had been tasked with rescuing a kidnapped Chinese expatriate and arresting the perpetrators of the attack.
The incident occurred on Friday, September 5, at Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, when NSCDC personnel were ambushed while safeguarding critical infrastructure at the BUA Cement Company. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce three-hour gun battle during which four expatriates working at the quarry site were rescued. Tragically, eight NSCDC personnel lost their lives.
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Prof. Audi, while commending the slain officers for their resilience and gallantry, vowed that the Corps would not relent until justice was served. He said a joint guard operation, in collaboration with other security agencies, had commenced in the area. The operation involves the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Special Protection Units, led by CC Dandaura Appollos.
“The Corps will not succumb to threats or be deterred by subversive elements. We will remain focused and re-strategize in discharging our statutory mandates,” the Commandant General assured.
He further appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could aid security agencies in tracking down the attackers.
According to the statement, security around the BUA Cement facility has also been reinforced to protect both indigenous and expatriate workers as well as critical infrastructure.
Prof. Audi emphasized that, beyond kinetic operations, the Corps would continue engaging host communities through civil relations to foster cooperation and prevent future crises.
By PRNigeria
