Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the arrest of seventy suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping, rape, illegal mining, and other violent crimes in the Okpella area of Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.
The arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) under the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, as part of a coordinated operation to dismantle criminal syndicates terrorizing communities in the region.
Speaking exclusively with Stone Reporter News, the Commandant of the Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, JP, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against violent crime in Edo State. He revealed that the squad had been on the trail of criminal gangs posing as illegal miners and charcoal dealers who had for months been involved in kidnappings and other organized criminal activities.
According to Dandaura, the operation was launched following intelligence reports linking the suspects to the recent killing of eight security personnel attached to BUA Cement Company. He explained that the joint effort — involving operatives of the Nigerian Army, the NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad, and BUA Cement’s management — led to the discovery of multiple hideouts used by the kidnappers to detain victims.
During the clearance operation, security personnel rescued several kidnapped victims, including Mrs. Agbe Martha, who had been held captive for more than seven days. Some suspects reportedly fled the area during the operation, while others were apprehended and are now assisting investigators with further information.
Mrs. Agbe narrated her ordeal to the security team after her rescue, explaining that she and her sister-in-law were abducted by five armed men while working on their rice farm in the Ichoke area of Itsukwi community. She said her husband, Mr. Paschal Agbe, narrowly escaped the attack. According to her, the kidnappers, who were heavily armed and disguised as herders, subjected them to severe torture while demanding a ₦30 million ransom.
Following the successful rescue, Mrs. Agbe and other victims were reunited with their families. The paramount ruler of the Itsukwi Kingdom, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, the Ogei-Ochi III, commended the NSCDC leadership for its swift intervention and praised the professionalism of the operatives who risked their lives to restore peace in the community.
Commandant Dandaura emphasized that the operation demonstrates the NSCDC’s renewed commitment under the leadership of Prof. Audi to combat crime and ensure public safety across the country. He noted that investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing and assured that those found culpable will face diligent prosecution.
The NSCDC spokesperson, CSC Afolabi Babawale, ANIPR, confirmed the development in an official statement from the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja, reaffirming that the command remains focused on eliminating criminal networks and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
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