By Attah Ede
The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the Crack Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday, paraded 10 suspected criminals linked to kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, cattle-rustling, vandalism of electrical power and communications installations, theft, and other related offences in the Federal Capital Territory and it’s environs.
Among the four suspects arrested for kidnapping activities is Musa Julia, who was arrested at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa state and confessed to being a Nigerien herder who entered Nigeria without valid documentation.
One Ali Musa from Garko was arrested for cattle rustling and kidnapping activities,while Umar Abdullahi, 30-year-old and Murtala Ibrahim, 22 year-old, also arrested in connection with kidnapping related activities and theft.
Parading the suspects on Tuesday at the national headquarters of the NSCDC, National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, ACC Afolabi Babawale, said during one of the confrontations, a suspect was neutralised when he and his cohorts engaged the NSCDC CG’S SIS and CG’S crack Squad operatives in a gun battle.
According to Babawale, from the preliminary investigations carried out, 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.
“In a well cordinated operations the CG SIS and the CG’S Crack squad apprehended six (6) suspects linked to criminal conspiracy, vandalism of electrical power and communications installations, theft, and other related offences.
“The suspects include: Suleiman Ibrahim (M) 31 years from Dalla, Kano State , a buyer for most vandalised items in Abuja, who was arrested at Jabi Park with large quantities of vandalised armoured cables, 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, he was arrested in connection with similar offences as the first suspect;
“Umar Rabiu 18 years– was arrested at Berger Junction with large quantities of vandalised armoured 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 likewise
“Furthermore, Ibrahim Haruna 18 years was arrested for allied offences involving power & communications infrastructure vandalism.
“Sunday Ezekiel aged 27 was arrested for criminal conspiracy, theft, and vandalism.” , he said
The NSCDC said the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence provided by the public and swift operational collaboration between the CG SIS and CG Crack Squad.
“Some of the suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels around Begar roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted armed with dangerous weapons.
“The NSCDC under the leadership of the CG hereby reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, sabotage, and any threats to government critical infrastructure and national assets across the federation even as the Corps appreciates the continued cooperation of the public and assures citizens of its unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives, property, and national assets”, Babawale maintained.
