The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) has launched a successful clearance operation in Okpella, Edo State.

 The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) has launched a successful clearance operation in Okpella, Edo State, resulting in the disruption of multiple criminal hideouts, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of 70 suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping and rape.Commandant AS Dandaura JP, head of the CG's Special Intelligence Squad, revealed that the operation targeted criminal elements disguised as illegal miners and charcoal vendors. This intensified offensive followed orders from Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni. OFR to clamp down on criminals terrorizing Edo State, especially after the recent massacre of eight BUA Cement Company personnel.In collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Mr. Richard Gidado, General Manager of BUA International Cement, the team dismantled several kidnappers' hideouts. Among the rescued victims was Mrs. Agbe Matar, who had been held captive for more than a week. Mrs. Agbe recounted how she and her sister-in-law were abducted by over five armed men disguised as herders while working on their rice farm in the Ichoke area of the Itsukwi community, Etsako East Local Government Area. She described the harsh conditions of their captivity and how kidnappers demanded a 30 million Naira ransom for their release.Local leader, His Royal Highness Usman Suleiman, Ogei-Ochi III of Itsukwi Kingdom, praised the NSCDC's decisive action, expressing gratitude for restoring peace to the community. Commandant Dandaura emphasized the importance of the joint efforts in removing the kidnap syndicate and pledged continued investigations and prosecutions to ensure justice and public safety in Edo State and beyond.