Chinese expatriate leaves Nigeria after gaining freedom from kidnappers’ den

A Chinese national who was abducted during a deadly attack on Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel in Edo State has finally regained his freedom, nearly three months after the incident.

The victim, identified as Mr. Wang, was kidnapped on September 5 when gunmen attacked NSCDC operatives deployed to provide security for Chinese workers at the BUA Cement Plant in Okpella. The assault claimed the lives of eight NSCDC officers.

Security sources revealed that Mr. Wang was released late on December 2 at about 11:30 p.m. in Kabba, Kogi State. Shortly after his release, he reportedly left Nigeria and has since returned to China.

No official information was provided on whether a ransom was paid or the method used to secure his release.

In a related development, troops under Operation Peace Shield have rescued 10 women who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A reliable source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the women were seized from their farmlands in Ungwan Nungu on November 29.

The source explained that the rescue followed a sustained manhunt by Sector 5 troops, which led to an early morning operation on Friday. The soldiers reportedly intercepted the kidnappers around 6:40 a.m. as they moved to collect ransom from relatives of the victims.

“The troops overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the captives and escape,” the source said.

During the operation, the soldiers recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one round of 9mm ammunition, and ₦1.6 million suspected to be ransom money.

The rescued women were later taken for debriefing and subsequently reunited with their families.