A deadly ambush carried out by unidentified gunmen on 5th September 2025 in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has resulted in the death of eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with four others seriously injured.
The attack occurred during a prolonged gun battle that lasted over three hours, during which operatives of the Corps were providing security for Chinese expatriates working with BUA Cement Company.
According to the NSCDC, the convoy comprising both personnel and foreign nationals was intercepted and attacked while on a routine patrol. The assailants, suspected to be a gang of armed kidnappers, opened fire on the team, leading to the fatalities. In the aftermath, four expatriates were successfully rescued, while one remains unaccounted for. The injured operatives are currently receiving medical treatment.
In an official statement issued from the National Headquarters in Abuja, the Corps emphasized the need to present the true state of events to the public, dismissing any earlier embellished versions of the incident.
“It is very imperative to relay to the public the exact situation surrounding the attack,” the Corps stated.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, while reacting to the tragic development, expresseddeep sorrow over the loss. He directed the Edo State Commandant, along with other senior officers, to visit the families of the fallen operatives and extend the Corps’ condolences. He further ordered that burial rites be arranged with full honours in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice.
“The labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives will forever be remembered,” the NSCDC Boss affirmed.
Professor Audi also assured that the medical bills of the wounded officers would be fully covered by the Corps and that every effort was being made to ensure their full recovery.
Expressing appreciation to other security agencies who have partnered with the NSCDC, the Commandant General confirmed that coordinated efforts are ongoing to comb the forests where the kidnappers retreated. The search is focused on rescuing the missing expatriate and ensuring the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
The NSCDC reiterated its unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure, affirming that the attack would not deter its personnel from fulfilling their constitutional duties.
“The Corps wish to state categorically that all embellished reports earlier made be ignored as the CG is wholly committed to the welfare, safety and care of the officers and men noting that this occurrence will not discourage the Corps from discharging its statutory mandate in protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,” the statement concluded.
