Abducted Chinese Nationals Rescued In Edo

By Ayodele Oni

Some Chinese expatriates abducted at the weekend in Edo State, have been rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Okpella village of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

NSCDC revealed that the foreigners were rescued after gun duel that lasted for about three hours.

A statement by its spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, read: “In a gun duel that lasted for three hours on 5th September 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.”

During the operation, some personnel of the corps were killed while others sustained various degrees of injuries, while the Chinese were taken into the bush.

Babawale noted that the Operatives were deployed to provide adequate security and ensure the security coverage of the Chinese Expatriates working at the Company;

He said: “Quite unfortunately, the convoy of both NSCDC Operatives and the Chinese Expatriates were ambushed during a routine patrol leaving four personnel dead, four seriously injured, one of the expatriates missing and four expatriates rescued and saved.”

Babawale said: “The Corps wish to reiterate its commitment to Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and wholly condemn such attack.”

Speaking on the matter, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Audi, directed the Edo State Commandant and other Management Officers to pay condolences to the families of the gallant Operatives who lost their lives in line of duty and further make arrangements for their burial with full honour.

The NSCDC Boss noted that the labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives will forever be remembered.

He also assured that those under intensive care would have their medical bills covered and adequate treatments given to make them recuperate speedily.

Audi appreciated the relevant security agencies that collaborated with the NSCDC to ensure that the forest where the kidnappers escaped are properly combed in order to rescue the abducted expatriates and the Perpetrators immediately apprehended and brought to book.