NSCDC says 16 suspects were arrested in coordinated operations linked to alleged kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal mining and counterfeit currency activities.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says its Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has arrested 16 suspects in a major operation targeting alleged criminal activities in Kano and Edo states.
The arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out with the support of the NSCDC Kano State Command and security operatives attached to BUA Cement Company in Okpella, Edo State.
According to the corps, the suspects are linked to a network allegedly involved in kidnapping related offences, illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, criminal trespass and counterfeit currency operations.
Preliminary findings showed that some of the suspects were allegedly connected to the movement of illegal arms, while others were arrested over unauthorised mining activities in restricted locations around the Okpella area.
Items recovered during the operation included locally made rifles, suspected charms, mining tools and materials believed to have been used in the production of counterfeit foreign currency.
Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, praised the operatives for what he described as their courage, vigilance and professionalism.
He said the corps would continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations to break up criminal networks that pose a threat to national security and economic stability.
Audi also directed that investigations be expanded to track down other suspects said to be on the run and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in line with the law.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, securing critical national assets and supporting Nigeria’s internal security framework.
