NSCDC Arrests 10 Suspected Kidnappers, Vandals in Abuja, Nasarawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 suspects over alleged involvement in kidnapping, vandalism of critical infrastructure, theft and other related offences in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.
The arrests were carried out by the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) in collaboration with the CG’s Crack Squad during a series of coordinated operations targeting criminal networks operating within Abuja and adjoining areas.
The NSCDC said the operations followed a directive by the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordering all formations and operational units to rejig their intelligence and enforcement strategies to strengthen the protection of lives and critical national assets.
Briefing journalists, the Commander of the CG Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, disclosed that six of the suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, vandalism of electrical power and telecommunications installations, and theft.
Among those arrested was Suleiman Ibrahim, 31, from Dalla in Kano State, described as a major buyer of vandalised items in Abuja. He was apprehended at Jabi Park with large quantities of armoured cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, water pipes and other exhibits.
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Other suspects include Libras Umar, 25, from Zaria; Umar Rabiu, 18, arrested at Berger Junction with vandalised cables; Muktar Yusuf, 22; Ibrahim Haruna, 18; and one Ezekiel, 27, all linked to conspiracy, theft and vandalism of power and communications infrastructure.
Dandaura said some of the suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels around the Begar Roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted with dangerous weapons during separate operations.
In a related development, four additional suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping, cattle rustling and theft. They include Ali Musa from Garko, accused of involvement in cattle rustling and kidnapping; Musa Juli, arrested at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa State, who reportedly confessed to participating in kidnapping activities after entering Nigeria without valid documentation; Umar Abdullahi, 30, from Soba LGA of Kaduna State; and Murtala Ibrahim, 22, from Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. The latter two were apprehended in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State over alleged kidnapping-related offences.
The NSCDC further disclosed that during one of the operations, a suspect was neutralised after he and his accomplices reportedly engaged operatives in a gun duel.
According to the Corps, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects have made confessional statements and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism and threats to critical national infrastructure, the NSCDC assured residents of Abuja and other parts of the country of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives, property and national assets. The Corps also commended members of the public for providing credible intelligence that aided the operations.
By PRNigeria
