By Our Correspondent
The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGSIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 70 suspects for their alleged involvement in kidnapping, rape, logistics supply, and other criminal activities in the Okpella area of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Commandant of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant Apollo Dandaura, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the success of the operation. He explained that the arrests followed a directive from the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to launch an aggressive onslaught against criminal elements terrorizing parts of Edo State and those responsible for the killing of eight security personnel attached to BUA Cement Company last month.
According to Dandaura, the operation was carried out in collaboration with officers of the Nigerian Army and the General Manager of BUA International Cement, Mr. Richard Gidado. The joint task force stormed several criminal hideouts, dismantling camps used to keep kidnapped victims. During the clearance mission, several victims were rescued, including Mrs. Agbe Martha, who had been held captive for over seven days.
Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Agbe Martha recounted how she and her sister-in-law were abducted by five armed men while working on their rice farm in the Ichoke area of the Itsukwi community. Her husband, Mr. Paschal Agbe, narrowly escaped the attack. She said the kidnappers, disguised as herders, subjected them to severe torture and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for their release.
Following the successful rescue operation, the victims were reunited with their families amid jubilation. The paramount ruler of the area, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, the Ogei-Ochi III of Itsukwi Kingdom, commended the NSCDC Commandant General for restoring peace and confidence in the community.
In his remarks, Commandant Dandaura emphasized that the coordinated operation reflects the unwavering commitment of the NSCDC leadership to rid the country of criminal elements. He assured that the arrested suspects would face thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.
He added that the NSCDC remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, not only in Edo State but across the nation.
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