NSCDC Arrests 10 Suspected Kidnappers and Vandals in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken into custody ten individuals suspected of various crimes, including kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, cattle rustling, and the vandalism of electrical and communication installations in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings.

Among the apprehended individuals, Musa Julia, identified as a herder from Niger, was arrested at Tudun-Wada in Karu, Nasarawa State. He reportedly admitted to crossing into Nigeria without appropriate documentation.

Another suspect, Ali Musa from Garko, was arrested for cattle rustling and kidnapping activities, while Umar Abdullahi, aged 30, and Murtala Ibrahim, 22, were also detained for their involvement in kidnapping and theft.

NSCDC's National Public Relations Officer, ACC Afolabi Babawale, revealed that during a confrontation, one suspect was shot dead as he and accomplices engaged NSCDC’s Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and operatives of the Crack Squad in a gun battle.

In a statement on Tuesday at the NSCDC national headquarters, Babawale noted, “In a well-organized operation, the CG SIS along with the CG’s Crack Squad successfully detained six suspects related to criminal conspiracy, electrical vandalism, theft, and similar offenses.”

He further listed Suleiman Ibrahim, 31, a major buyer of stolen items from Abuja, who was caught at Jabi Park with significant quantities of vandalized armoured cables and other stolen tools. Additionally, Libras Umar, 25, was detained for similar offenses, alongside 18-year-old Umar Rabiu, found at Berger Junction with stolen cables.

Muktar Yusuf, 22, was also arrested for conspiracy and vandalism related to electrical and communication infrastructure, while Ibrahim Haruna, 18, faced charges for offenses involving the vandalism of these installations. Lastly, Sunday Ezekiel, 27, was apprehended for conspiracy and theft.

All suspects have made significant admissions regarding their involvement in the respective crimes. Babawale assured that they would be prosecuted in a court of law to deter others who might consider engaging in similar activities.