The operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, have arrested 42 suspected bandits in the capital city.
While parading the suspects at the headquarters of the Corps on Wednesday, the Commandant of the FCT Command of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, said they were all arrested on Monday in possession of sharp objects like daggers, knives and cutlasses.
Odumosu had recently summoned the heads of the Corps Intelligence teams, Area Commanders and all Divisional Officers to a meeting to review their strategies given the current insecurity in the FCT.
He also gave a fresh charge to the officers and men to step up their game against criminal elements within the territory using intelligence gathering.
“I am happy to announce today that the charge is paying off. Acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, 42 suspected bandits and terrorists operating under the cover of being miners of solid minerals have been arrested. The arrest took place on Monday, 11th February 2024 at about 0600hrs.
“The suspects were intercepted at the forest of Tsaumi Village bothering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Preliminary investigation by the Corps revealed that they may not be miners as they presented but rather suspected bandits fleeing the ongoing onslaught of the military operation in Zamfara State through the forest zone of Niger State into the FCT through Gwagwalada Area Council enroute Pai Village of Kwali Area Council,” he said.
According to Odumosu, the suspects were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they work for.
He said further investigation revealed that this group of young men have been operating within Zamfara, Kogi and Niger States.
“They have also confessed to having sponsors, however investigation in that regard is still ongoing and you will be intimated when it is concluded,” the Commandant said.
He assured that necessary further actions will be taken when investigations are concluded and their level of involvement in crime is determined.
Similarly, the Commandant said a suspect, Bartholomew Anthony, a male, 27 years old from Kaura Local government area of Kaduna State was arrested at the Mabushi axis of the FCT in possession of pieces of Armoured cables, one hacksaw, one Jackknife, one Techno Bolton handset and ₦20,000 cash.
He said the suspect made a useful statement that led to the arrest of three of his accomplices: Hakilu Muhammed ”M” 25 years old from Shango LGA Niger state, Abdulrahman Abbas “M” 30 Years old from Unguwan Sarki Piako LGA, Niger state and Samila Promise “M” 20 years old from Karim Limido, Pitiko LGA, Taraba state.
He said all four suspects belong to a syndicate that specializes in vandalism and theft of armoured cables in the FCT.
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