NSCDC arrests 10 suspects for vandalism, kidnapping in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 10 suspects for alleged involvement in vandalism of critical national infrastructure, kidnapping, cattle rustling and related crimes in the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states.

The arrests followed an intensified joint operation by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad and the CG Crack Squad.

A statement on Tuesday by the NSCDC’s spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, said six suspects were apprehended for criminal conspiracy, vandalism of electrical power and communications installations, and theft.

Afolabi identified them as Suleiman Ibrahim, Libras Umar, 25, from Zaria; Umar Rabiu, 18, arrested at Berger Junction; Muktar Yusuf, 22; Ibrahim Haruna, 18; and Ezekiel, 27.

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.

“The suspects include: Suleiman Ibrahim, 31 years old from Dalla, Kano State, a buyer for most vandalized items in Abuja, who was arrested at Jabi Park with large quantities of vandalized armored cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, water pipes, and other items recovered from him as exhibits; the second suspect is Libras Umar, aged 25 from Zaria, was arrested in connection with similar offences as the first suspect; Umar Rabiu, 18 years old, was arrested at Berger Junction, and large quantities of vandalized armored cables and other items were also recovered as exhibits from him.

“Muktar Yusuf, aged 22, was also arrested for conspiracy, theft, and vandalism of electrical power & communications installations. Ibrahim Haruna, 18 years old, was arrested for allied offences involving power & communications infrastructure vandalism,” the statement read.

In a related operation, he said four additional suspects were arrested for kidnapping, cattle rustling and theft.

Afolabi said, “On Sunday, Ezekiel, aged 27, was arrested for criminal conspiracy, theft, and vandalism. Similarly, four other suspects were arrested for kidnapping, cattle rustling, theft, among others, among whom is one Ali Musa from Garko, who was arrested for cattle rustling and kidnapping activities while Musa Juli was arrested at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa State; he confessed to being a Niger Republican herder who entered Nigeria without valid documentation and is involved in kidnapping activities.

“Umar Abdullahi, 30 years old, Fulani, Muslim, from Sobar LGA, Kaduna State, was arrested at Tudun Wada, Maliya, in the Karu local government area of Nasarawa State for his involvement in kidnapping-related activities and theft. Murtala Ibrahim, 22 years old, Fulani, Muslim, from Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, was arrested at Mararaba Nyaya in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State for his involvement in kidnapping-related activities and theft. ”

Afolabi said the Commandant of the CG Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, noted that the arrests were based on credible intelligence from the public and swift collaboration between the two squads.

He disclosed that some suspects were arrested inside manholes around Begar Roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted with dangerous weapons.

“Some of the suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels around Begar roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted armed with dangerous weapons.

“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. They will be charged before a competent court of law to serve as a deterrent to others considering similar acts,” the statement added.

The NSCDC has continued to record arrests in recent months as part of efforts to curb vandalism of critical infrastructure and rising cases of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states.

The latest operation follows renewed intelligence-driven directives by the Corps’ leadership to strengthen security and protect national assets.

Culled from punch