NSCDC saves kidnapped teenager, arrests two suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has saved a 15-year-old girl who was kidnapped in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Two suspects were also arrested in connection with this case.

The NSCDC Commandant in Edo, Saidi Akintayo, shared this news on Saturday during a press conference in Benin.

Mr Akintayo said the victim, Glory Odigie, was rescued as part of an operation based on intelligence gathered by the command.

He said they got a report on June 19 from Odion Odigie, who said his younger sister went out the day before to buy a phone charging cord but did not return.

Odion’s family later got calls from unknown people claiming they had kidnapped the girl and demanding a ransom of N800,000.

“The callers also warned the family not to tell security agencies,” he said.

Mr Akintayo explained that the command quickly set up intelligence and operational plans to find the girl and those responsible for her kidnapping.

“During the operation, we kept communication and intelligence gathering strong while our officers followed up on all possible leads.

“Using technical analysis, community information, and tactical deployment, we gathered useful details that led us to potential suspects in the area,” he said.

The investigations led to the arrest of Freedom Saturday, 16. He then gave information that helped arrest Thankgod Oriabor, 21, in Oghu Community, Ewohimi, where they successfully rescued the victim.

Mr Akintayo said the suspects are still in custody as investigations continue.

“The case will be sent for further investigation and handled as the law requires,” he added.

The commandant praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and quick action.

He also thanked the Edo State Government for its support to security agencies and for improving security across the state.

Mr Akintayo appreciated other security agencies for sharing intelligence and working together in operations.

He warned criminals that Edo will not tolerate any form of crime and reiterated the command’s determination to carry out intelligence-led operations to bring criminals to justice.

He encouraged residents to assist security agencies with timely and credible information, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility.