The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested seventy suspects for alleged involvement in kidnapping, rape, logistics supply to criminals, and other related offences during an intensive clearance operation at Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Commander of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A. S. Dandaura (JP), narrated how his team unraveled the network of criminals who had been abducting innocent residents under the guise of illegal mining and charcoal business operations within the Okpella axis.

According to him, the operation followed a directive from the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, mandating an aggressive onslaught against criminal elements destabilizing the peace of Edo State, particularly those responsible for the recent killing of eight security personnel attached to BUA Cement Company.

Commandant Dandaura explained that the NSCDC squad, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the management of BUA International Cement, led by General Manager Mr. Richard Gidado, launched a coordinated offensive against the criminals.

During the clearance operation, the team dismantled several criminal hideouts used to detain kidnapped victims, freeing a number of captives. Among those rescued was Mrs. Agbe Martha, who had been held hostage for over seven days. Some of the kidnappers reportedly fled the area during the raid, abandoning their victims in the process.

Recounting her ordeal, Mrs. Agbe said she and her sister-in-law were abducted by five armed men dressed as herders while working on their rice farm in Ichoke, Itsukwi community, Etsako East Local Government Area. Her husband, Mr. Paschal Agbe, narrowly escaped the attack. She described how they were taken deep into the forest, subjected to severe torture, and forced to endure inhumane treatment while their captors demanded a thirty million naira ransom for their release.

Following the rescue, the victims were reunited with their families amid tears of joy. The traditional ruler of the Itsukwi Kingdom, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, the Ogei-Ochi III, commended the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Audi, for his proactive and pragmatic leadership that has restored hope and security to the community.

In his closing remarks, Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to sustaining inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity. He emphasized that the successful dismantling of the kidnap syndicate and destruction of their hideouts demonstrate the resolve of the NSCDC under Prof. Audi’s leadership to protect lives and property across Edo State and beyond. He added that further investigations and diligent prosecution of the arrested suspects would follow to ensure justice is served.

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