The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested four individuals for alleged involvement in illegal possession of firearms, gunrunning, kidnapping, banditry, and job racketeering.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi confirmed that the arrests were made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS) as part of ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage and enhance national security.
Firearm Recovery and Arrest Details
During the operation, security operatives recovered:
- Two automatic rifles with three magazines
- One AK-47 rifle with 15 live rounds of ammunition
- One FN rifle with two live rounds of ammunition
- One live cartridge
- Nine locally fabricated pistols
- One bayonet
- Two pairs of Nigerian Forest Security Service uniforms
- Other incriminating items
The three primary suspects, all male, were identified as:
- Umar Ibrahim (35 years)
- Nura Abubakar (20 years)
- Mohammed Sule (20 years)
They were apprehended in the Ukoso Komva Ward of Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed they were deceived into the illicit trade by an individual identified as Ali, who is currently at large. They admitted they were en route to deliver firearms to a buyer when they were intercepted.
In their respective confessional statements, the suspects warned others against engaging in similar criminal activities while pleading for leniency.
Arrest of Nigerian Forest Security Services Volunteer for Gunrunning
In a related development, NSCDC operatives arrested Lar Changkur, a volunteer with the Nigerian Forest Security Services, in Bauchi State for alleged involvement in gunrunning. Changkur also urged others to desist from engaging in such unlawful activities while seeking clemency.
Job Racketeering Syndicate Dismantled
The NSCDC also apprehended Felix Clerkson (62 years) in connection with job racketeering. During a preliminary investigation, officers recovered over 120 fake NSCDC appointment letters from his possession.
Clerkson, who was arrested in Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, confessed to defrauding unsuspecting victims of over N26 million. Further investigations revealed that he had swindled individuals out of a total of N55 million, part of which he shared with accomplices who are currently at large. The NSCDC is actively tracking these individuals.
Legal Proceedings and National Security Efforts
All suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The CG SIS, established under the leadership of Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi and headed by Commandant Dandaura Appollos, has recorded significant achievements in the fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering, power and telecommunications vandalism, railway sabotage, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.
The NSCDC remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.
