The Special Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General has successfully apprehended 70 individuals implicated in various criminal activities including kidnapping, sexual assault, logistical support for crimes, and other unlawful acts within the Okpella community of Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.
Commandant AS Apollos Dandaura, who leads the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He revealed that the suspects often disguised themselves as illegal miners and charcoal traders to conceal their true intent of abducting innocent residents in the Okpella region.
“Acting on the directive from the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni. OFR, to intensify operations against criminal elements disturbing Edo State’s peace and those responsible for the recent killing of eight personnel attached to BUA Cement Company, we launched a decisive crackdown,” Dandaura stated.
“Our Special Intelligence Squad, in partnership with the Nigerian Army and the General Manager of BUA International Cement, Mr. Richard Gidado, coordinated a robust offensive targeting these offenders,” he added.
During the operation, the team uncovered and dismantled several clandestine locations used as holding centers for kidnapped victims. Although some perpetrators managed to evade capture by fleeing the area, the mission successfully freed several hostages, including Mrs. Agbe Martha, who had been held captive for over a week.
Mrs. Agbe Martha recounted her harrowing experience, explaining that she and her sister-in-law were seized while tending to their farmland in the Ichoke area of the Itsukwi community. She described how more than five armed men, disguised as herders, invaded their rice field and took them hostage, while her husband, Paschal Agbe, managed to escape.
Upon arrival at the kidnappers’ hideout, Mrs. Agbe and her sister-in-law endured brutal treatment and were subjected to harsh conditions. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of 30 million Naira for their release.
As the NSCDC team reunited the rescued victims with their families, the paramount ruler of the area, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, the Ogei-Ochi III of Itsukwi Kingdom, praised the NSCDC Commandant General’s effective leadership in restoring safety and tranquility to the community.
Commandant Dandaura emphasized that the joint efforts in dismantling the kidnapping network and their operational bases demonstrate the Commandant General’s unwavering dedication to eradicating crime and safeguarding the lives and properties of Edo State residents and Nigerians at large.
He further assured that comprehensive investigations and thorough prosecutions of the suspects will follow to ensure justice is served.
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