Civil Defence Parades 10 Suspected Kidnappers, Vandals

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded 10 suspected criminals in Abuja.

The corps reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and critical national infrastructure in the country.

The parade, which took place at the corps national headquarters in Abuja, involved 10 suspects arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping, vandalism of critical infrastructure, theft and criminal conspiracy.

The action, according to the Civil Defence Commandant General, underscores the Corps’ renewed offensive against criminal networks operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, as it intensifies efforts to dismantle syndicates threatening public safety and national assets.

Briefing journalists on the successful clampdown, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, who heads the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), disclosed that the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence from members of the public and swift operational synergy between the SIS and Crack Squad.

He revealed that some suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels around the Beggar Roundabout in Abuja, while others were intercepted armed with dangerous weapons.

Commandant Dandaura further disclosed that during one of the operations, a suspect was neutralised after he and his accomplices engaged operatives in a gun duel.

While reiterating the Corps’ zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality threatening public safety and national assets, he said, “all formations, units, and tactical squads were recently directed to rejig their operational and intelligence strategies in line with evolving security challenges.

He added that, acting swiftly on the directive, the SIS and Crack Squad launched intensified operations targeting criminal syndicates involved in the vandalism of government critical infrastructure and kidnapping activities within the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states.

The Commandant explained that, “Six of the suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, vandalism of electrical power and telecommunications installations, theft, and related offences. Among them is Suleiman Ibrahim, 31, from Dalla, Kano State, alleged to be a major buyer of vandalised materials in Abuja. He was arrested at Jabi Park with large quantities of armoured cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, water pipes, and other exhibits.”

Other suspects arrested for similar offences, according to him, include Libras Umar, 25, from Zaria; Umar Rabiu, 18, apprehended at Berger Junction; Muktar Yusuf, 22; Ibrahim Haruna, 18; and Ezekiel, 27. Large quantities of vandalised armoured cables and other recovered items were presented as exhibits during the parade.

In a related development, he disclosed that additional suspects were arrested for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and theft across parts of Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa State. “They include Ali Musa from Garko, Musa Juli, arrested at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa State; Umar Abdullahi, 30, from Soba LGA of Kaduna State; and Murtala Ibrahim, 22, from Kachia LGA of Kaduna State.

He added that the suspects have made confessional statements regarding their involvement in the crimes and confirmed that they will be charged in court accordingly.

The Corps expressed appreciation to residents for their continued cooperation and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. It assured citizens that under the leadership of the Commandant General, the NSCDC remains resolute in safeguarding lives, property, and the nation’s critical infrastructure.