In a significant crackdown on criminal networks, the Special Intelligence Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested twenty suspects involved in serious crimes including kidnapping, vandalism, and armed robbery across several states.
Major Arrests and Weapon Recoveries
Commandant Apolos Dandaura of the CG's Special Intelligence Squad confirmed that operations conducted between October and November 2025 led to the apprehension of dangerous criminal syndicates operating in the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Ondo States.
The security forces recovered substantial weaponry during these operations, including two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles found in Ondo State, sixty-five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla LE 2010 model snatched at gunpoint, four stolen motorcycles, various mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash.
Terrorism and Kidnapping Syndicates Dismantled
Among those arrested were two confirmed terrorist/militia suspects linked to recent communal attacks. Investigation revealed their connection to violent crimes across state boundaries.
In a particularly disturbing case, suspects Ibrahim Hudu (30 years) and Hassan Ibrahim (23 years) were arrested in Lafia, Nasarawa State for kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder. Both men confessed to kidnapping and killing Mr. Obasanjo H. Aku along the Lafia-Akwanga Road after collecting ransom payment.
The same syndicate was responsible for the kidnapping and execution of Mr. Muhammadu Yaka, a farmer in Nasarawa Eggon, whom they killed because he recognized one of the gang members known as Boddum.
Hassan Ibrahim was directly linked to militia attacks in Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and communities in Qua'an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. He admitted to participating in looting and burning houses in Yalwata and engaging in an attack on Fili (Nteng) village where military personnel ambushed them, resulting in the deaths of syndicate members Umar and Korijo.
Infrastructure Protection and Criminal Networks
The NSCDC operations also targeted individuals tampering with critical national infrastructure. Nyitamen George (34 years) was arrested for illegally tampering with electrical installations and fraudulently collecting monthly electricity bills, while Muhammad Aliyu, also known as Aliko (23 years), faced charges of vandalism, assault, and grievous hurt.
In a major success against arms proliferation, the squad arrested Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin (27 years) in Ondo State and recovered two G3 rifles with breach numbers 6911856 and 69047064 respectively.
The operational success extended to dismantling the logistics and financial chain of criminal operations, with five suspects arrested for their involvement as buyers and receivers of stolen items from kidnapping and robbery operations.
Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed the Commandant General's commitment to rid the nation of economic saboteurs, vandals, and crime perpetrators, emphasizing that these arrests underscore the NSCDC's unwavering commitment to community safety in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda.
The NSCDC assured the public that all suspects would be charged to court immediately upon conclusion of thorough investigations and urged Nigerians to continue providing actionable intelligence to security agencies.
