The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 20 people across several states for offences described as threats to national security.
NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja.
He said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad made the arrests between October and November, following the directive of the Corps Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to intensify the fight against crime nationwide.
According to Afolabi, eight of the suspects were involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder. Two were identified as terrorists linked to recent communal attacks, while five were caught dealing in stolen goods.
He added that two others were arrested for vandalising Abuja Electricity Distribution Company installations, and three were picked up for alleged fraud and related offences.
“The arrests were made across Abuja, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Ondo states,” Afolabi said. “This shows that there is no hiding place for those planning to commit crimes in the country.”
During interrogation, one suspect reportedly confessed to taking part in attacks in the Yelwata community of Benue State and Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He added that the gang also killed two kidnap victims in Nasarawa after collecting ransom.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, 65 rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla LE 2010 model, four motorcycles, electronic devices, charms, and cash.
Afolabi said the arrests showed NSCDC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“All the suspects will be charged to court after investigations,” he added, urging Nigerians to share useful information with the corps and other security agencies.
