NSCDC Arrests 10 Suspects in Abuja Crime Crackdown

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested ten suspected criminals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its surrounding areas, linked to a series of offences including kidnapping, cattle rustling, and the vandalism of critical infrastructure.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully apprehended ten suspected criminals implicated in a range of offences. These include kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, cattle rustling, vandalism of electrical power and communications installations, theft, and other related crimes within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. The arrests underscore the ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat organised criminal activities in the region.

Details of Kidnapping Suspects

Among the four individuals arrested for kidnapping activities is Musa Julia, who was apprehended at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa State. He confessed to being a Niger Republican herder who had entered Nigeria without valid documentation. Other suspects include Ali Musa from Garko, arrested for both cattle rustling and kidnapping activities; Umar Abdullahi, aged 30; and Murtala Ibrahim, aged 22, both implicated in kidnapping-related activities and theft.

During a parade of the suspects on Tuesday at the national headquarters of the NSCDC, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, ACC Afolabi Babawale, revealed that one suspect was neutralised during a confrontation. This occurred after the suspect and his accomplices engaged the NSCDC’s Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and the Crack Squad operatives in a gun duel.

Vandalism and Theft Operations

ACC Babawale further detailed that in a well-coordinated operation, the CG SIS and the CG’s Crack Squad arrested six suspects connected to criminal conspiracy, vandalism of electrical power and communications installations, theft, and other related offences. The arrested individuals include:

• Suleiman Ibrahim (M), 31 years old from Dalla, Kano State, identified as a buyer for most vandalised items in Abuja. He was arrested at Jabi Park with large quantities of vandalised armoured cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, water pipes, and other items recovered as exhibits.
• Libras Umar, aged 25, from Zaria, arrested in connection with similar offences.
• Umar Rabiu, 18 years old, arrested at Berger Junction with large quantities of vandalised armoured cables.
• Muktar Yusuf, aged 22, arrested for conspiracy, theft, and vandalism of electrical power & communications installations.
• Ibrahim Haruna, 18 years old, arrested for allied offences involving power & communications infrastructure vandalism.
• Sunday Ezekiel, aged 27, arrested for criminal conspiracy, theft, and vandalism.

According to Babawale, all suspects have made significant confessions, admitting their various levels of involvement in the crimes. He affirmed that they would be charged before a competent court of law, serving as a stern deterrent to others considering similar illicit acts.