Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has paraded 42 suspected bandits and terrorists in Abuja.
The suspects were intercepted at Tsunami village forest bothering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Parading the suspects to newsmen at the FCT Command of the NSCDC, Wuse, Abuja, the Commandant, Mr. Olusola Odumosu, said that the 42 arrested suspects were operating under the cover of miners of solid minerals but were busted following preliminary investigation, which revealed that they might not be miners but rather suspected bandits fleeing on-going onslaught of the military in Zamfara State.
He said: “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 on-going 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.
“In the course of interrogation, they were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they alleged to be working for.
“Further investigation revealed that this group of young men had been operating within Zamfara, Kogi and Niger States.
“At the time they were intercepted, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities which suggest they have a sinister agenda.”
Odumosu revealed that the operation was carried out by a combined team of NSCDC operatives and the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, following a tip off.
He said: “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, February 12, 2024, at about 06.00 hours.
“Recall that a few days ago, I summoned the heads of our intelligence teams, area commanders and all divisional officers to a meeting in order to review our strategies given the current trends in the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).
“I gave a fresh charge to the officers and men to step up our game against criminal elements within our territory using intelligence gathering. I am happy to announce to you today that the charge is paying off.
“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 that the suspects have been cooperating with the corps by giving useful information that will help determine their level of involvement in banditry and kidnapping activities in the FCT.
“When investigations are concluded and their level of involvement in crime is determined, necessary further actions will be taken.”
The commandant further revealed that command, in synergy with men of Department of State Security Services, (DSS), arrested one Mr. Bartholomew Anthony, a male, 27 years old, from Kaura Local government area of Kaduna State.
He was arrested at the Mabushi axis of the FCT and the following exhibits were found on him: pieces of armoured cables, one hacksaw, one jack knife, one Techno Bolton handset, and ₦20,000 cash.
According to Odumosu, the suspect made useful statement that led to the arrest of three of his other accomplices namely; “Hakilu Muhammed, “M” 25 years old, from Shango LGA Niger State; Mr. Abdulrahaman Abbas, “M” 30 years old, from Unguwan sarki Piako LGA, Niger State; Mr. Samila Promise, “M” 20 years, from Karim Limido, Pitiko LGA, Taraba State.
“All four suspects arrested belong to a syndicate that specialise in the vandalisation and theft of armoured cables in the FCT.
“The suspects were also discovered to belong to a vigilante group and hence use their purported membership of the security outfit to commit heinous acts.
“We have profiled them and their statements obtained, they will soon be arraigned in court for justice to prevail.
“I want to assure the residence of the FCT that we will not rest on our oars until we rid the FCT of all criminal elements that want to make the FCT unsafe for habitation.
“I want to also appeal to the general public to report all suspicious persons, as security is everyone’s business,” Odumosu said.
