The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has conducted a public display of 42 individuals suspected of involvement in banditry and terrorism within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja.
These individuals were apprehended in the vicinity of Tsunami village forest bordering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Commandant Olusola Odumosu, during the parade of the suspects at the FCT Command of the NSCDC in Wuse, Abuja, highlighted that the arrested individuals purported to be miners of solid minerals but were uncovered following initial investigations as suspected bandits evading military operations in Zamfara State.
Odumosu stated, “Preliminary investigations by the Corps have cast doubt on their claim of being miners, revealing instead their alleged involvement in banditry, as they failed to provide concrete evidence of their purported mining activities.” He further disclosed that these individuals were intercepted during their attempted passage from the forest area of Niger State through the FCT.
The operation, carried out by a joint team of NSCDC operatives and the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, was based on credible intelligence and collaboration. Odumosu emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and commended the efforts of the security personnel involved.
The suspects are reported to have confessed to having sponsors, and investigations into this aspect are ongoing. Odumosu assured that the NSCDC is actively pursuing the matter and will take appropriate actions based on the outcomes of the investigation.
Additionally, the NSCDC, in collaboration with the Department of State Security Services (DSS), apprehended one Bartholomew Anthony and three of his accomplices, who were found in possession of stolen armored cables and other incriminating items. These individuals are part of a syndicate responsible for the theft and vandalism of armored cables in the FCT. They were also discovered to be members of a vigilante group, exploiting their purported security affiliations to carry out criminal activities.
Odumosu affirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the FCT, pledging continued efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the region. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that collective action is essential in maintaining security.
