EDO STATE, Nigeria (BN24) — Eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed and a Chinese expatriate abducted late Friday in a violent ambush near the BUA Cement facility in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigerian officials confirmed.
The deadly incident occurred around 10 p.m. on September 5, 2025, as the NSCDC officers were providing security escort to five Chinese nationals following a routine patrol near the company’s entrance. According to a senior NSCDC official in the state, the gunmen—believed to be kidnappers—opened fire on the security personnel, killing eight and fatally wounding a civilian driver.
The attackers managed to abduct one Chinese expatriate during the assault, while four of his colleagues were successfully rescued. Four other individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility, authorities said.
Commandant Agun Gbenga of the NSCDC has visited both the crime scene and the hospital where the injured are being treated. In response to the attack, a joint security task force comprising multiple agencies has launched a search operation in the surrounding forest areas in pursuit of the perpetrators.
In a statement released Sunday, BUA Cement expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian government. The company acknowledged the loss of the eight NSCDC operatives and a civilian driver, while also condemning the abduction.
“BUA is deeply saddened by the attack of Friday, September 5, 2025, in which eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a civilian driver lost their lives near our Okpella facility in Edo State,” the company said. “We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen, the NSCDC, and the Government of Nigeria, and wish the injured officers a swift recovery.”
The company confirmed it is working closely with Nigerian security forces to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped expatriate and to bring the attackers to justice.
“The safety of our people, partners, and host communities remains paramount. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices borne daily by our security personnel. Their courage will never be forgotten,” BUA added.
The NSCDC is expected to issue a formal statement from its Abuja headquarters. Meanwhile, security efforts have intensified across the region, with authorities calling on local communities to report any suspicious activity as the manhunt continues.
