By Israel Adebiyi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has rescued a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted in Oghu Community, Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area, and arrested two suspects linked to the incident.

The State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City, stating that the successful operation was the result of intelligence gathering, technical analysis, and community collaboration.

According to the him, its Ewohimi Division received a report on June 19, 2026, from Mr. Odion Odigie, who reported that his younger sister, Miss Glory Odigie, had left home the previous day to purchase a phone charging cord but failed to return.

The family subsequently received telephone calls from unknown persons who claimed the teenager had been abducted and demanded a ransom of N800,000, while warning the family against notifying security agencies.

Following the report, the commandant said he immediately activated intelligence and operational mechanisms aimed at locating the victim and apprehending those responsible for the crime.

The operation led to the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect identified as Freedom Saturday, whose information reportedly aided the arrest of another suspect, Thankgod Oriabor, 21, in Oghu Community, Ewohimi. The victim was thereafter rescued safely.

The NSCDC said the teenage girl is currently receiving the necessary care and attention, adding that both suspects remain in custody and that preliminary investigations have yielded useful information.

The Command further disclosed that the case would be transferred for further investigation and handled in accordance with the law.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Akintayo praised their professionalism, commitment, and prompt response, which led to the successful rescue of the victim.

He also appreciated the support of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, noting that his administration's commitment to strengthening the state's security architecture and supporting security agencies has enhanced coordinated responses against kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.

He also lauded sister security agencies for their collaboration, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy in combating crime and protecting lives and property across the state.

The NSCDC warned criminal elements that Edo State remains hostile to all forms of criminality and assured residents that intelligence-driven operations would continue to ensure offenders are identified and brought to justice.

The Corps urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.