Edo security personnel standing in formation during a memorial event for fallen officers.
By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has confirmed eight of its Officers dead, one expatriate lost, 4 rescued and that others were undergoing treatment after gun duel with unknown gunmen on Friday 5th September, 2025 in Edo State.
This was disclosed in a press release signed by CSC Afolabi Babawale, the Corps National Spokesperson in Abuja.
The statement disclosed that, “In a Gun duel that lasted for 3 hours on 5th September 2025; a gang of armed kidnappers launched a grievous attack against the Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
“It is very imperative to relay to the public the exact situation surrounding the attack: the Operatives were deployed to provide adequate security and ensure the security coverage of the Chinese Expatriates working at the Company.
“Quite unfortunately, the convoy of both NSCDC Operatives and the Chinese Expatriates were ambushed during a routine patrol leaving 8 personnel dead, 4 seriously injured, 1 of the expatriate missing and 4 expatriates rescued and saved.”
The Corps, reiterated its commitment to protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and wholly condemn such attack.
Speaking on the matter the NSCDC, Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the Edo State Commandant and other Management Staff Officers to pay condolences to the families of the gallant Operatives who lost their lives in line of duty and further make arrangements for their burial with full honour.
The NSCDC boss noted that the labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives will forever be remembered.
He also said that those under intensive care would have their medical bills covered and adequate treatments given to make them recuperate speedily.
Audi appreciated the relevant security agencies who have collaborated with the NSCDC to ensure that the forest where the kidnappers escaped were properly combed in order to rescue the abducted expatriate and the perpetrators immediately apprehended and brought to book.
The Corps stated categorically that all embellished reports earlier made be ignored as the CG was wholly committed to the welfare, safety and care of the Officers and men noting that this occurrence will not discourage the Corps from discharging it’s statutory mandate in protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
