The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is grieving the loss of eight of its personnel who were killed in an ambush by suspected kidnappers in Okpella, Edo State.
The attack, which occurred on Friday night and lasted around three hours, also left four officers severely injured. One Chinese national was abducted, while four others were safely rescued.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Afolabi Babawale, the officers had been assigned to protect expatriates working with BUA Cement Company.
The NSCDC reported that the team’s convoy came under attack by heavily armed assailants during a routine patrol.
Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, condemned the brutal assault, mourned the fallen officers, and vowed that their bravery and sacrifice would be honored and remembered.
“The labour, commitment, and patriotism displayed by our operatives will forever be remembered.
“The corps stands firmly with their families at this moment of grief.”
The corps said that its Edo commandant and other senior officers would pay condolence visits to the bereaved families and ensure burial of the slain officers with full honours.
It added that it would take full responsibility for the medical treatment of the injured personnel to facilitate their recovery.
“The commandant-general condemned the attack in strong terms, assuring that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, is combing forests in Etsako East to rescue the abducted expatriate and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The corps remains unwavering in its statutory mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
“This cowardly attack will not deter us from carrying out our duties,” it said.
