NSCDC Saves Chinese Expatriates in a Gun Duel with Kidnappers that Cost Eight Lives

By: Michael Mike

Some Chinese expatriates were saved from kidnappers by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Okpella village of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State after gun duel that lasted for about three hours

A statement on Saturday by spokesman of the NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale read that: In a gun duel that lasted for three hours on 5th September 2025; a gang of Armed Kidnappers lauched a grievous attack against the Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to BUA. Cement Company, Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Babawale noted the the the Operatives were deployed to provide adequate security and ensure the security coverage of the Chinese Expatriates working at the Company;

He said: “Quite unfortunately, the convoy of both NSCDC Operatives and the Chinese Expatriates were ambushed during a routine patrol leaving four personnel dead, four seriously injured, one of the expatriates missing and four expatriates rescued and saved.”

Babawale said: “The Corps’ wish to reterate its commitment to Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and wholly condemn such attack.”

Speaking on the matter the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Audi directed the Edo State Commandant and other Management Staff Officers to pay condolences to the families of the gallant Operatives who lost their lives in line of duty and further make arrangements for their burial with full honour.

The NSCDC Boss noted that the labour, commitment and patriotism displayed by the operatives will forever be remembered.

He also said that those under intensive care would have their medical bills covered and adequate treatments given to make them recuperate speedily.

Audi appreciated the relevant security agencies who have collaborated with the NSCDC to ensure that the forest where the kidnappers escaped are properly combed in order to rescue the abducted expatriate and the Perpetrators immediately apprehended and brought to book.

He said: “The Corps wish to state categorically that all embellished reports earlier made be ignored as the CG is wholly committed to the welfare, safety and care of the officers and men noting that this occurrence will not discourage the Corps from discharging it’s statutory mandate in protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.”

NSCDC Saves Chinese Expatriates in a Gun Duel with Kidnappers that Cost Eight Lives

Troops neutralise armed militia in Plateau after failed escape attempt

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed militia in Plateau State after he attempted to disarm a soldier during an operation.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Sept. 5 during a follow-up operation to a hideout in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

A day earlier, on Sept. 4, troops had arrested the militia at Kaskra with an AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to involvement in several criminal activities within Barkin Ladi and volunteered to lead troops to the hideout of his cohorts to recover weapons.

Sources said that while the search was ongoing at the hideout, the militia made a desperate attempt to snatch a soldier’s rifle in order to escape.

“He was swiftly overpowered and neutralised by the troops in the process,” one of the sources said.

The remains of the deceased suspect were deposited at a hospital morgue, while follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and recover more weapons.

The sources reaffirmed military’s commitment to sustain the momentum against armed militias and other criminal elements in Plateau, stressing that no effort would be spared in restoring peace and stability across the Joint Operations Area.

Troops neutralise armed militia in Plateau after failed escape attempt

Ex-perm sec joins APC in Gombe, pledges support for Gov Yahaya

Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Gombe State Civil Service has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Gombe State.

Adamu who retired in August after serving 35 meritorious years in the civil service, picked his membership card in Dukku Local Government of Gombe State amidst cheers from the mammoth crowd of heavy weight politicians, groups and associations as well as friends and family who attended the event.

He said that the decision to go into politics was taken after due consultations, taking into cognizance, the political will of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya in providing what could best be described as dividends of democracy to the citizenry.

He said that he made up his mind to join politics on September 1, 2025 under the ruling All Progressive Congress as a way of contributing his quota to the development of his LGA and the state at large.

“The unprecedented developments brought to Dukku Local Government are visible enough for me to support the policies and programmes of the Yahaya-led administration in the state.

“I wish to state that I shall be loyal to the party at all times for its success in subsequent elections.”

The former permanent secretary appreciated the governor for the opportunity given to him to serve in the most exalted position as a carrier civil servant and the support and cooperation he received from the staff of the ministry of education.

Adamu who holds a prestigious traditional tittle of ‘Kawanyan Dukku’ bestowed on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dukku Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rasheed was indeed as a result of his loyalty, hard work and positive impact to Dukku Local Government and the state at large more importantly in the areas of human capital development and community-driven initiatives.

Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Mr Nitte Amangal through the Deputy Chairman Alhaji Baba Abuja described the retired permanent secretary as a dedicated person that always identifies with his community, assuring him that the party would treat him like any other party faithful.

Mr Nitte Amangal therefore, urged both the LGA and State leadership of the party to accord the retired Adamu equal priority to tap from his wealth of experience and generosity for the development of the party in the state.

In their comments, the Executive Chairman Dukku Local and the APC Chairman Dukku Local Government Area Alhaji Adamu Muhammed Waziri and Alhaji Shehu Saadu respectively, described the retired permanent secretary as committed and always concerned about the development of his communities which they said are the qualities of progressive members of the party.

The Member of Gombe State House of Assembly representing Dukku North, Hon Nasiru Abdulkarim said the decision taken by the retired permanent secretary was apt and would assist significantly in ensuring success of the party at different levels.

The event also featured goodwill messages by the APC chairmen from Gombe, Kwami, Funakaye and Nafada local government councils.

Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, Kawanyan Dukku amidst large crowd of friends and well-wishers then paid a homage to the palace of His Royal Highness the Emir of Dukku Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadr Rasheed who congratulated him for successful retirement and wished him success in his new chosen political carrier.

Ex-perm sec joins APC in Gombe, pledges support for Gov Yahaya