The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has condemned the killing of eight personnel of the agency by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday in Edo State.
A statement by Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, said the Commandant General has directed the Edo State Commandant and other Management Staff Officers to pay condolences to the families of the operatives who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Audi, who condoled with the families of the deceased, also directed the Edo State Commandant to make arrangements for their burial with full honour.
The NSCDC boss noted that the labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives would forever be remembered.
He assured that the medical bills of officers under intensive care would be covered and adequate treatments given to make them recuperate speedily.
He, however, assured that the unfortunate incident would not discourage the Corps from discharging its statutory mandate in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
The NSCDC Commandant General, however, urged members of the public to disregard and ignore what he described as embellished reports, emphasising that he is wholly committed to the welfare, safety and care of the officers and men of the Corps.
He appreciated the relevant security agencies that have collaborated with the Corps to ensure that the forest where the kidnappers have their hideout is properly combed to rescue the abducted expatriate and bring the perpetrators to book.
Audi also shed light on what transpired between the NSCDC operatives and the kidnappers on Friday, September 5, 2025.
“A gang of armed kidnappers launched a grievous attack against the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps 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 was ambushed during a routine patrol, leaving eight personnel dead, four seriously injured, one of the expatriates missing and four expatriates rescued and saved.
“The Corps’ wish to reiterate its commitment to the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure and wholly condemn such an attack,” he stated.
