By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 suspects for alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, vandalism of critical infrastructure, theft, and related offences during coordinated operations in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Nasarawa State.
The arrests, carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) in collaboration with the CG’s Crack Squad, underscore the renewed operational push by the Corps to tackle threats to national assets and public safety.
In a statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the Corps said the operation was in line with the directive of the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to rejig intelligence and operational strategies across all formations to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
Babawale said the combined teams launched an intensified crackdown on criminal networks involved in vandalising government critical infrastructure and engaging in kidnapping activities within Abuja and adjoining states.
During the operation, six suspects were apprehended in connection with vandalism of electrical and communications installations, theft, and conspiracy.
Among them was Suleiman Ibrahim, 31, from Dalla, Kano State, identified as a buyer of vandalised items, who was arrested at Jabi Park with large quantities of armoured cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, water pipes, and other exhibits. Others arrested included Libras Umar, 25, from Zaria; Umar Rabiu, 18, who was apprehended at Berger Junction with vandalised cables; Muktar Yusuf, 22; Ibrahim Haruna, 18; and one Ezekiel, 27, all allegedly linked to vandalism and theft of power and communications infrastructure.
In a related development, four additional suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping, cattle rustling, and theft. They include Ali Musa from Garko, Musa Juli, who was arrested in Tudun-Wada, Karu, Nasarawa State, and reportedly confessed to being a Niger Republic national who entered Nigeria without valid documentation and participated in kidnapping activities.
Others are Umar Abdullahi, 30, from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Murtala Ibrahim, 22, from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, both arrested in Karu axis of Nasarawa State over alleged involvement in kidnapping and theft.
Speaking during an operational briefing, Commandant of the CG Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, said the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence provided by members of the public and effective collaboration between the SIS and Crack Squad operatives.
He disclosed that some of the suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels around the Berger Roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted armed with dangerous weapons.
Dandaura further revealed that during one of the encounters, a suspect was neutralised after engaging operatives in a gun duel.
According to him, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had made useful confessions regarding their roles in the crimes, adding that they would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, sabotage, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, warning that individuals and groups threatening critical infrastructure and national security would face the full weight of the law.
The Corps also commended members of the public for their continued support and cooperation, assuring Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and national assets across the country.
