The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully rescued a 15-year-old girl, Glory Odigie, who was abducted in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, while also arresting two suspects linked to the crime.
The operation was confirmed by the Edo State Command of the NSCDC during a press briefing held in Benin on Saturday.
According to the NSCDC, the incident was reported on June 19 by a family member, Mr Odion Odigie, who stated that the teenager went out the previous day to buy a phone charging accessory but never returned home.
Shortly after her disappearance, the family reportedly received calls from unknown individuals demanding a ransom of ₦800,000 for her release.
The suspects also warned the family against involving security agencies.
The Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Saidi Akintayo, said operatives immediately launched an intelligence-driven operation after receiving the report.
He explained that officers combined surveillance, technical analysis, and community intelligence to track down those responsible.
According to him, the coordinated effort led to the identification and arrest of key suspects within the community.
During the operation, NSCDC operatives first arrested a 16-year-old suspect, Freedom Saturday, who provided critical information that led investigators to a second suspect.
The second suspect, identified as 21-year-old Thankgod Oriabor, was later arrested at Oghu Community in Ewohimi, where the victim was also found and rescued safely.
Akintayo confirmed that both suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators.
The Commandant praised the professionalism of NSCDC operatives involved in the rescue mission and acknowledged the support of other security agencies.
He also commended the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo for strengthening security operations across the state.
According to him, improved intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation played a key role in the success of the operation.
Akintayo issued a strong warning to kidnappers and criminal networks operating in Edo State, stating that the state remains unsafe for criminal activities.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to intelligence-based policing and vowed that all perpetrators would be brought to justice.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
