NSCDC arrests 13 suspects over ‘illegal possession of arms’ in Bayelsa, Kaduna

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says its operatives have arrested 13 suspects over alleged vandalism and illegal possession of arms in Bayelsa and Kaduna states.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday, Ahmed Audi, commandant general of the NSCDC, said five of the suspects were arrested for allegedly selling weapons to bandits and kidnappers.

Audi, who was represented by Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC spokesperson, said one of the suspects, John Ishaya,  an ex-convict, has been on the watch list of the corps.

The commandant said two of the suspects were apprehended while delivering vandalised rail slippers and tracks hidden under sugarcane along Kwoi-Kagarko to Tafa-Jere road in Kaduna.

He said the corps recovered N175,000 cash allegedly meant for the purchase of 130 pieces of AK-47 ammunition and a red golf car.

He said the personnel also recovered one Infinix phone, one Itel button phone, one knife, one wristwatch and a charm from the suspects.

“We will dig deep to unravel and expose those sponsoring vandalism and trading of railway slippers across the nation,” NAN quoted Audi as saying.

“When we apprehend them, we will definitely bring them to book.”

He said five others who were operating under the guise of private security guards were arrested around Tebetaba community, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that they pretended to act as private security guards to carry out nefarious crimes,” he added.

“Exhibits recovered from the 5-member suspects included: one explosive dynamite, one pumping machine, and one full park of welding electrode.

“Two spanners, 11 bolts/ knots and five aprons tagged Dalon security services.”

Audi added that one of the suspects identified as Jubril Abdullahi, was arrested in possession of a phone which belonged to an abducted person.

“Jibrin was caught with an iPhone 6s Pro owned by a woman who was kidnapped on January 10, 2024, in Abuja,” he added

“Among the exhibits recovered from the suspect are: two phone packs, one white charger, bank debit cards, an issuance letter, five packs of SIM cards, passports and documents belonging to other persons.

“We reassure the public of diligent and professional investigation after which all the suspects will be charged to court.”