By Nkechi Eze
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has ordered the arrest and investigation of a five-man kidnap syndicate accused of engaging in kidnapping, extortion, theft, and criminal conspiracy along the Zaria–Kano Expressway.
The arrest followed a series of complaints about the activities of criminal gangs terrorising travellers on the busy highway. Acting on the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, operatives of the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) led by its Commandant, Assistant Superintendent Dandaura (JP), launched a coordinated operation that led to the capture of the suspects in Kaduna and Kano States.
In a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Afolabi Babawale, the Special Intelligence Squad Commandant narrated how the syndicate, described as “notorious for brigandage,” was apprehended following an incident involving a victim identified as Sani Ahmad, a journalist who was travelling along the Zaria–Kano route.
According to the report, the suspects had flagged down Mr. Ahmad on the pretext that there was danger ahead. Unaware of their criminal intent, the victim stopped his vehicle, only to be ambushed by the gang, who forcefully dispossessed him of his valuables.
Narrating his ordeal, the victim said, “After insisting that I stopped the car, they invaded my vehicle, picked my travelling bag, took two iPhone 12 Pro Max devices, a Tecno Camon 40 Pro, and compelled me to transfer ₦300,000 through my Opay account to an Opay account number 9026238691 belonging to one Abdullahi Lawan Garba, provided by a member of the gang, Ibrahim Abubakar, after firing a gun to threaten my life.”
Mr. Ahmad disclosed that he was returning to Kano after dropping off his friend, Mallam Haruna, his wife, and their child in Zaria when the incident occurred.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, Umar Fulani, Aliyu Mohammed, Murtala Salisu, and Imrana Hassan, all male have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.
Items recovered from the suspects include six mini smartphones, one iPhone 12 Pro Max, one Tecno Camon 40 Pro (similar to those stolen from the victim and later sold to one of the suspects), ATM cards from First Bank, GTBank, and Opay, a Samsung Galaxy A15, an Infinix X6531B, an Itel keypad phone, as well as wristwatches, ear pods, bangles, rings, and other personal effects.
Commandant Dandaura confirmed that a thorough investigation into the case is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of preliminary inquiries.
He also issued a stern warning to travellers, advising them to avoid late-night journeys, especially as the Yuletide season approaches. He noted that criminally minded individuals often take advantage of the festive period to prey on unsuspecting citizens.
“The Corps will continue to intensify intelligence operations and ensure the safety of citizens across all highways. However, we urge travellers to be security conscious and avoid unnecessary night movements as we enter the festive season,” Dandaura cautioned.
The NSCDC reiterated its commitment under the leadership of Professor Ahmed Audi to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and curb the activities of criminal gangs operating along major roads across the country.
