The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has condemned the killing of eight officers by suspected kidnappers in Edo State on Friday.

A statement by Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, said Prof. Audi directed the Edo State Commandant and other management staff to offer condolences to the families of the slain personnel.

Prof. Audi expressed sympathy to the families and ordered that arrangements be made for the officers to be buried with full honors.

He also praised the dedication, hard work, and patriotism of the officers, saying their sacrifice would always be remembered.

The NSCDC boss assured that officers receiving intensive medical care would have their bills covered and would get proper treatment to recover quickly.

He stressed that the tragic incident would not stop the Corps from carrying out its duty to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.

Prof. Audi asked the public to ignore exaggerated reports, emphasizing his commitment to the safety, welfare, and care of all NSCDC personnel.

He also thanked other security agencies collaborating with the Corps to search the forest hideouts of the kidnappers, rescue the abducted expatriate, and ensure the criminals are brought to justice.

He explained that on September 5, 2025, armed kidnappers attacked NSCDC officers assigned to BUA Cement Company in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.

The officers were deployed to protect Chinese expatriates working at the company and to secure the company’s assets.

During a routine patrol, the convoy of NSCDC personnel and expatriates was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of eight officers, serious injuries to four others, one expatriate missing, and the rescue of four expatriates.

Prof. Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and condemned the violent attack.