October 16, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have dismantled several criminal hideouts and arrested 70 suspects allegedly linked to kidnapping, rape, and other violent crimes in Okpella, Edo State.
The operation, executed by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS) under the directive of NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, was launched to curb the rising wave of abductions and related crimes in the area.
Led by Commandant A.S. Dandaura, the NSCDC team conducted a coordinated clearance operation with support from the Nigerian Army and BUA Cement Company’s General Manager, Richard Gidado.
The crackdown targeted gangs operating under the guise of illegal mining and charcoal trading, who had reportedly terrorised residents and travellers across Etsako East Local Government Area.
During the operation, several criminal enclaves were uncovered and destroyed, while multiple kidnap victims were rescued.
Among those freed was Mrs. Agbe Matar, who had been held captive for more than seven days.
Recounting her ordeal, Matar said she and her sister-in-law were abducted while working on their rice farm in the Ichoke area of Itsukwi community.
She said the armed men, disguised as herders, demanded a N30 million ransom and subjected them to days of torture before security forces intervened.
“We were beaten, starved, and threatened daily. I had lost hope until the NSCDC came,” Matar said, expressing gratitude to her rescuers.
The Paramount Ruler of Itsukwi Kingdom, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, the Ogei-Ochi III, commended the NSCDC and its partners for restoring peace to the area.
He lauded Audi’s leadership and called for continued collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities to sustain the gains.
Commandant Dandaura described the success of the Okpella operation as evidence of the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting citizens and dismantling criminal networks nationwide.
“This operation is part of our ongoing effort to disrupt organised crime and bring perpetrators to justice. All arrested suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law,” he said.
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