The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested no fewer than 10 suspects for alleged involvement in kidnapping, vandalism of critical infrastructure, theft, cattle rustling, and other related offences in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.
The Corps disclosed that the arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) in collaboration with the CG’s Crack Squad during coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks targeting national assets and residents.
According to the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the operation followed a directive by the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to strengthen intelligence gathering and operational strategies across all formations to enhance national security.
He explained that the squads intensified surveillance and enforcement actions against criminal elements involved in the vandalism of electrical and communications infrastructure as well as kidnapping activities within Abuja and adjoining states.
During the operation, six suspects linked to criminal conspiracy, theft, and vandalism of electrical installations were apprehended. Among them is Suleiman Ibrahim, 31, from Kano State, described as a major buyer of vandalised items in Abuja. He was arrested at Jabi Park with large quantities of armoured cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, and water pipes.
Others arrested include Libras Umar, 25, Umar Rabiu, 18, Muktar Yusuf, 22, Ibrahim Haruna, 18, and Ezekiel, 27, all allegedly connected to infrastructure vandalism and theft.
The Corps also arrested four additional suspects over alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and related crimes. These include Ali Musa from Garko, Musa Juli, who was arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State and reportedly confessed to entering Nigeria illegally and participating in kidnapping activities, as well as Umar Abdullahi, 30, and Murtala Ibrahim, 22, both from Kaduna State.
The Commandant, CG Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, stated that the success of the operation was due to credible intelligence from members of the public and effective inter-squad collaboration. He revealed that some suspects were arrested inside manhole channels around Berger Roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted with dangerous weapons.
He further disclosed that one suspect was neutralised during a gun duel after he and his accomplices engaged operatives in a confrontation.
The NSCDC said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had made confessional statements and would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The Corps reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, sabotage, and threats to critical national infrastructure, assuring Nigerians of its continued commitment to protecting lives, property, and national assets.
The NSCDC also urged citizens to sustain their cooperation by providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to curb crime across the country.
