NSCDC arrests 16 over arms, kidnapping, fake dollar deals

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 16 suspects for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Afolabi Babawale, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the arrests on Monday in Abuja.

Babawale said the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from unlawful possession of firearms, fabrication of locally made firearms and criminal conspiracy.

Other offences, he said, include printing counterfeit US dollar notes, obtaining by false pretence, criminal trespass, suspected kidnapping and illegal mining activities.

He explained that the operations were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), personnel from the Kano Command and operatives stationed at BUA Cement in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to him, one suspect who belonged to a syndicate that disguised as private security guards was arrested in Kano State in possession of six newly fabricated rifles.

He added that in another operation, a 39-year-old man who specialises in producing locally made weapons and allegedly sells them to kidnappers, bandits, insurgents and other criminals was arrested.

“Exhibits recovered from him include six improvised gun pipes, three improvised fire selectors, six saw blades, 12 hand files, a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, bicycle fenders, pieces of sandpaper and knives, among others.

“He also confessed to selling firearms to a male suspect who is currently in our custody,” he said.

The CG’s SIS Commander, Apollos Dandaura, while providing further details, said one of the suspects was arrested for printing counterfeit US dollar notes, including fake 600,000 dollars.

“He also obtained money by false pretence after issuing fake dollars amounting to 6,200 dollars to a victim at an exchange rate of N1,452, having earlier obtained N9 million from the victim.

“A large quantity of substances suspected to be charms, 10 empty chemical containers, a travel ticket to Cameroon, chemicals used in counterfeiting, plain sheets, a security ID card bearing his name, GTBank and Zenith ATM cards and other personal items were found in his possession,” Dandaura said.

He added that the remaining suspects were arrested for other offences, including illegal mining activities and suspected kidnapping operations.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, commended the squad for their gallantry and professionalism in carrying out the operations.

Audi, however, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young and middle-aged individuals in kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal mining and other acts of economic sabotage.

“Under my leadership, the corps will not treat any act of economic sabotage with kid gloves, as these offences constitute serious threats to national security and stability,” he said.

He directed the CG’s SIS to intensify investigations, identify all sponsors and ensure that suspects still at large are apprehended and brought to justice.

The NSCDC boss assured that all cases would be diligently prosecuted to serve as a deterrent. He also appreciated the public for consistently supporting the corps with useful information.

Audi called for stronger collaboration and credible intelligence sharing to rid communities of criminal elements.

(NAN)