By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 16 suspects for various crimes, including counterfeiting, kidnapping, and illegal mining, according to a press release from ACC Afolabi Babawale, Public Relations Officer, NSCDC National Headquarters over the week.
The suspects were arrested in coordinated operations conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS) in collaboration with the NSCDC Kano State Command and NSCDC operatives deployed to BUA Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA of Edo State.
One of the suspects, Abbas Lawan Garkuwa, was arrested with fake $600,000 US dollars and was involved in obtaining money by false pretense. He had received ₦5.5 million through his Zenith Bank account and had orchestrated a fake transfer of ₦8 million to deceive a victim.
Garkuwa was also linked to one Usman Muazu of Tanturus in Gombe State, who is still at large, for trading in counterfeit currency. The suspect was arrested with large quantities of a substance suspected to be charms, empty chemical containers, and other items.
In another operation, Sulaiman Mallam Uba was arrested with six brand-new, locally fabricated rifles. He disclosed that he received the weapons from Shuaibu Isiyaka on the instruction of their leader, Suleiman Isiyaka.
The squad also arrested Kaumi Alhaji Kadau, who runs an arms manufacturing factory in Yobe State, and recovered improvised gun pipes, saw blades, and other items used in the production of locally made weapons.
Eight suspects were also arrested at Ososo Line 4, BUA International Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, for offenses bordering on criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, and illegal mining.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the squad for their display of gallantry and professionalism and directed the CG-SIS to intensify investigations and identify all sponsors.
The suspects will be prosecuted diligently to serve as deterrence. The NSCDC appreciated the public for their support and called for stronger collaboration and credible intelligence sharing to rid communities of criminal elements.
The operation is part of efforts to address rising security concerns and kidnapping activities in the Okpella and Etsako axis of Edo State and its environs.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling economic sabotage and national security threats.
