The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 suspected vandals and kidnappers operating in Abuja and its surrounding areas.
The Corps said the arrests reflect its renewed commitment to protecting lives, property, and national critical assets.
The suspects were apprehended at various locations by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad following a tip-off from members of the public.
Parading the suspects before journalists in Abuja, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale said; ‘the recorded achievements were the result of the unwavering commitment of the Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to strengthening the nation’s security architecture.’
Babawale noted that the CG recently directed all formations, units, departments and operational squads to rejig their operational and intelligence strategies to enhance national protection outcomes.
“Acting on this directive, the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the CG Crack Squad launched an intensified combined operation targeting criminal elements involved in the vandalism of government critical infrastructure and national assets, as well as kidnapping within Abuja and adjoining states.
“In a well-coordinated operation, the CG SIS and the CG’s Crack Squad apprehended six suspects linked to criminal conspiracy, vandalism of electrical power and communications installations, theft and other related offences,” he explained.
Similarly, Babawale said four other suspects were arrested for kidnapping, cattle rustling and theft, among other offences.
According to him, one of the suspects, Musa Juli, who was arrested at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa State, confessed to being a Nigerien herder who entered Nigeria without valid documentation and is involved in kidnapping activities.
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He also noted that, according to the Commandant of the CG Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, during his operational brief, the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence provided by the public and swift operational collaboration between the CG SIS and the CG Crack Squad.
Babawale confirmed that some of the suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels around Beger Roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted armed with dangerous weapons.
He further stated that during one of the confrontations, a suspect was neutralised after he and his cohorts engaged the NSCDC CG’s SIS and CG’s Crack Squad operatives in a gun duel, resulting in his death.
“From the preliminary investigations carried out so far, all suspects have made meaningful confessions and admitted to their various levels of involvement in the crimes and will be charged before a competent court of law to serve as a deterrent to others considering similar acts,” Babawale stated.
The Public Relations Officer, however, noted that the NSCDC, under the leadership of the CG, reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, sabotage and any threats to government critical infrastructure and national assets across the federation.
He added that the Corps appreciates the continued cooperation of the public and assured citizens of its unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives, property and national assets.