Just in: Gunmen Kill NSCDC Personnel, Kidnap Chinese National in Edo

Benin City, Sept. 6, 2025 – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the killing of eight of its personnel and the abduction of a Chinese national by gunmen in Edo State.

The incident occurred late Friday, September 5, at about 10:30 p.m. along the Okpella–Agenebode road, the Corps said in a statement on Saturday.

“We lost eight gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” the NSCDC said. “The assailants ambushed our patrol team and subsequently abducted a Chinese expatriate working in the area.”

The Corps added that reinforcements had been deployed, while security agencies were collaborating to track down the attackers and rescue the kidnapped victim.

Local residents told reporters that the gunmen, who were heavily armed, opened fire on the security team before seizing the expatriate whose identity has not yet been released. The assailants were said to have fled into surrounding forests.

The latest attack highlights worsening insecurity across parts of Edo and the wider region, where criminal gangs and kidnappers have increasingly targeted both locals and foreign workers.

NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Abubakar Audi condemned the killings, describing them as a “cowardly act against men dedicated to protecting lives and national assets.” He vowed that the Corps would not relent in its mandate despite the losses.

 He urge for calm and cooperation from residents as investigations continue.