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By Kabir Abdulsalam
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested 42 suspected bandits and kidnappers operating under the guise of being solid mineral miners.
The arrest, which took place on Monday, February 11, 2024, at around 6:00 am, was a result of credible intelligence and collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
FCT NSCDC Commandant, Commander Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja.
According to Odumosu, the suspects were apprehended in the Tsaumi Village forest, bordering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said the preliminary investigations revealed that the group was not involved in mining activities as they claimed, but were rather suspected bandits fleeing the ongoing military operations in Zamfara State.
“They were moving through the forest zone of Niger State into the FCT through Gwagwalada Area Council en route Pai Village of Kwali Area Council,” Odumosu explained.
He said further investigations suggest that the group, comprising young men, had been operating in Zamfara, Kogi, and Niger States.
“At the time of their interception, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities, which suggests they had a sinister motive.
“The suspects have reportedly confessed to having sponsors, although details regarding their identities are still under investigation.
“They are currently cooperating with the NSCDC, providing valuable information to determine their level of involvement in banditry and kidnapping within the FCT, the Commandant added.
In a separate operation, the command, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a 27-year-old man, Bartholomew Anthony, from Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in the Mabushi axis of the FCT.
“Anthony was apprehended with pieces of armored cables, a hacksaw, a jackknife, a mobile phone, and N20,000 cash. His confession led to the arrest of three other accomplices: Hakilu Muhammed, Abdulrahaman Abbas, and Samila Promise,” he said.
This group, according to the NSCDC, specializes in vandalizing and stealing armored cables within the FCT. They reportedly used their membership in a vigilante group as a cover for their criminal activities.
“We have profiled them and their statements obtained, they will soon be arraigned in court for justice to prevail,” Odumosu stated.
The Commandant reassured FCT residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the territory of all criminal elements and urged the public to report any suspicious activity emphasizing that security is everyone’s business.
