The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a major clearance operation in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the arrest of 70 suspects involved in kidnapping, rape, and other criminal activities.
The operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) following the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR.
According to the Commandant of the Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A. S. Dandaura, the suspects were apprehended for their alleged involvement in various crimes including providing logistics to criminal gangs terrorizing the area.
Dandaura explained that the operation was initiated in response to recent violent attacks in the Okpella axis, particularly the killing of eight security personnel attached to BUA Cement Company.
He said the team worked in collaboration with operatives of the Nigerian Army and the management of BUA International Cement to track down the criminals and restore peace to the community.
During the clearance mission, several hideouts used by the kidnappers to house abducted victims were discovered and dismantled by the joint security forces.
While some of the kidnappers reportedly fled the area, the operation led to the successful rescue of several victims, including Mrs. Agbe Martha, who had been held in captivity for over seven days.
Mrs. Agbe recounted that she and her sister-in-law were abducted by five armed men who invaded their rice farm in the Ichoke area of the Itsukwi community.
She revealed that the attackers, disguised as herders, subjected them to severe physical abuse and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for their release.
Her husband, Mr. Paschal Agbe, narrowly escaped the abduction after managing to flee the scene when the armed men struck.
Following their rescue, the victims were reunited with their families amid an atmosphere of relief and joy in the Itsukwi community.
The Ogei-Ochi III of Itsukwi Kingdom, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, commended the NSCDC leadership for restoring peace and safety to the area.
The monarch lauded the courage and professionalism of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad for their decisive action against criminal elements.
In his remarks, Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed that the NSCDC remains committed to the protection of lives and property through coordinated intelligence operations.
He added that the 70 suspects arrested during the operation would undergo thorough investigation and be prosecuted accordingly to ensure justice and deter future crimes.
