NSCDC Okpella attack leaves eight officers dead as special squads launch tactical operation to rescue a kidnapped expatriate in Edo State

NSCDC Okpella attack has prompted a full-scale tactical operation after gunmen ambushed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing eight personnel and abducting a Chinese expatriate.

Also read: Edo State NSCDC Attack Kills Eight Officers, Expat Kidnapped

The ambush occurred on Friday night, September 5, while the officers were guarding critical infrastructure at the BUA Cement Company.

Eyewitnesses reported a fierce three-hour gun battle in which four expatriates working at the quarry section were rescued, but eight operatives lost their lives.

In a statement on Tuesday, corps spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed that Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, had ordered the deployment of special tactical squads to comb surrounding forests, rescue the kidnapped expatriate, and arrest the perpetrators.

“The deployed teams have an express order to rescue the kidnapped expatriate, effect arrests, and bring the perpetrators to book,” the statement read.

Audi, who expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, praised the bravery of the fallen operatives.

He explained that the intelligence-led manhunt would involve the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad under Commander Dandaura Appollos, alongside the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics, and Special Protection Units.

The CG assured that security around the BUA facility had been reinforced to protect workers, expatriates, and assets, vowing that the corps would not be deterred.

“The corps will not succumb to threats or be deterred by subversive elements and evil perpetrators who carried out this heinous attack. Rather, we will remain focused and re-strategise to fulfil our statutory mandate,” Audi said.

He also highlighted plans to strengthen civil relations and non-kinetic approaches to boost community cooperation in tackling insecurity.

The attack comes less than a year after a similar incident in Shiroro, Niger State, where Boko Haram insurgents ambushed an NSCDC monitoring team in November 2024.

Despite being outnumbered by more than 200 fighters, the operatives reportedly neutralised over 50 insurgents, though four officers were killed and one went missing.

Meanwhile, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin on Tuesday, Edo State Commandant Agun Gbenga stressed the importance of collaboration in safeguarding national assets.

“There must be a collective effort in the protection of the nation’s assets. Our duty is to stay ahead of threats and ensure continuity of essential services,” he said, warning against growing risks of cyberattacks, sabotage, and vandalism.

Other speakers echoed the concerns. Retired Lt. Col. David Aghedo, Chief Security Officer of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, described vandalism as a major threat, while Matthew Ariyibi of the Transmission Company of Nigeria warned against scavenging and illegal structures under transmission towers.

Also read: NSCDC Gombe Rape Case Exposes Disturbing Father-Son Crime

The NSCDC Okpella attack has reignited calls for stronger collaboration to protect vital infrastructure as well as the lives of personnel tasked with guarding them.