Nigeria TV Info — NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad Arrests 70 Suspects in Edo Kidnapping Crackdown

Edo State, Nigeria — The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) has arrested 70 suspects linked to kidnapping, rape, logistics support for criminals, and other criminal activities in the Okpella area of Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.

Commandant Apollo Dandaura, head of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, briefed journalists on the operation, revealing that the team had been working to dismantle criminal networks responsible for abducting innocent residents under the guise of illegal miners and charcoal vendors in the Okpella region.

He said, “Following the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, on an aggressive campaign against unscrupulous elements terrorizing Edo State and those involved in the killing of eight personnel attached to BUA Cement Company last month, we launched an intensive operation in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and BUA International Cement management.”

The operation led to the discovery and dismantling of several criminal hideouts used to house kidnapped victims. While some suspects managed to escape, the security team successfully rescued multiple victims, including Mrs. Agbe Martha, who had been held captive for over seven days.

Mrs. Agbe Martha recounted her ordeal, explaining that she and her sister were ambushed while working on their rice farm in Ichoke, Itsukwi community. “Over five armed men stormed our plantation, pretending to be herders. They held me and my sister-in-law hostage, while my husband, Paschal Agbe, managed to escape,” she said.

Commandant Dandaura emphasized that the arrests mark a significant step in restoring peace to Edo State and reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to pursuing all criminal elements threatening public safety.