NSCDC Rescues Chinese Expatriates After Fierce Gun Battle with Kidnappers; Eight Dead
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) successfully rescued several Chinese expatriates after a prolonged gunfight with armed kidnappers in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The confrontation, which lasted about three hours, tragically resulted in the deaths of eight individuals.
In a statement released on Saturday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed that the attack occurred on September 5, 2025, when a group of heavily armed kidnappers ambushed NSCDC personnel assigned to the BUA Cement Company. The operatives were deployed to provide security for Chinese workers at the facility.
“During a routine patrol, the convoy of NSCDC officers and Chinese expatriates was ambushed,” Babawale stated. “The incident left four operatives dead, four others seriously injured, one expatriate missing, and four expatriates successfully rescued.”
The NSCDC condemned the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure. In response to the tragedy, the Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Audi, directed the Edo State Command and senior officials to visit the families of the fallen officers, offer condolences, and make arrangements for their burial with full honors.
Professor Audi emphasized that the bravery and patriotism displayed by the operatives will not be forgotten. He also assured that the injured personnel are receiving the best medical care, with the Corps covering all treatment expenses to ensure their swift recovery.
The Commandant General expressed gratitude to other security agencies assisting in the operation, noting that a joint effort is underway to comb the surrounding forests in search of the missing expatriate and to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
He also urged the public to disregard earlier inaccurate reports about the incident, reaffirming the Corps’ dedication to the welfare of its officers and its unwavering resolve to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding national assets and infrastructure.
