In a major breakthrough in the fight against crime, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps’ (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS) has successfully dismantled criminal hideouts and arrested 70 suspects involved in kidnapping, rape, and other criminal activities in Okpella, Edo State. The operation, launched under the directive of NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, was aimed at tackling the rising wave of crime in the region, particularly the kidnapping of innocent citizens.
The CG-SIS, led by Commandant AS Dandaura, launched an aggressive clearance operation with support from the Nigerian Army and BUA Cement Company’s General Manager, Mr. Richard Gidado. The operation targeted criminal groups that had been terrorizing the area, some of whom were masquerading as illegal miners and charcoal vendors.
During the operation, the team uncovered and dismantled several criminal hideouts used to house kidnapped victims. Despite some kidnappers fleeing the area, the team successfully rescued several victims, including one Mrs. Agbe Matar, who had been held captive for over seven days.
Victim’s Harrowing Account
Mrs. Agbe Matar shared her traumatic experience, recounting how she and her sister-in-law were abducted while working on their rice plantation in the Ichoke area of Itsukwi community, Etsako East LGA.
According to Mrs. Agbe, over five armed men, disguised as herders, stormed their farm, took them hostage, and demanded a ransom of 30 million Naira. After enduring days of torture and malhandling in the kidnappers’ hideout, Mrs. Agbe and others were finally freed through the efforts of the NSCDC and its collaborators.
The paramount ruler of Itsukwi Kingdom, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, the Ogei-Ochi III, expressed immense gratitude for the successful operation, applauded the leadership of NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for restoring peace and security to the area. His Royal Highness emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling the growing menace of crime in Edo State.
NSCDC’s Commitment to Public Safety
Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerian citizens, noting that the successful operation was part of an ongoing effort to combat organized crime in the region. He further assured that investigations into the syndicates behind the kidnappings would continue, and the arrested suspects would face diligent prosecution in due course.
The successful operation in Okpella underscored the NSCDC’s commitment to making Nigeria safer, especially in regions plagued by criminal activities. It also highlighted the importance of multi-agency cooperation and community involvement in ensuring a sustainable fight against crime.
