Gunmen have killed eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducted a Chinese national in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The attack occurred on Friday night, September 5, 2025, around 10:30 p.m. along the Okpella–Agenebode axis. The officers, attached to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department of the corps, were escorting five Chinese expatriates working with BUA Cement Company when they were ambushed.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire on the convoy near the company’s gate, killing eight officers and one civilian driver on the spot. Four NSCDC personnel and one civilian sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
One of the expatriates was abducted during the assault, while the other four were rescued.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the NSCDC described the killings as a “grievous loss.”
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps regrets to announce the unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday, 5th September 2025, at about 2230hrs, along the Okpella–Agenebode axis, Edo State. Armed men laid an ambush on the convoy of a Chinese national from BUA Cement Company, Okpella, leading to the tragic death of eight NSCDC personnel attached to the CNAI Department, alongside one civilian driver. Sadly, the Chinese national was kidnapped during the incident,” the statement read.
The corps noted that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary, while survivors are being treated. Among those killed was Chief Corps Assistant (CCA) Oluwatosin Sunday of the Ondo State Command.
“The Corps deeply mourns this grievous loss and commiserates with the families of the deceased, their colleagues, and the entire NSCDC family. We salute the gallantry of our officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, national assets, and infrastructure,” it added.
The NSCDC assured the public that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the kidnapped expatriate and bring the attackers to justice.
“May the souls of our gallant officers rest in peace,” the corps concluded.
