The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has taken 20 suspects into custody for offences ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to murder, vandalism and fraud across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Ondo States.
According to the Commander of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Apollo Dandaura, the arrests followed directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, to intensify operations against criminal networks and thoroughly investigate high-profile syndicates operating nationwide.
Dandaura said the squad successfully dismantled several dangerous criminal groups implicated in violent crimes across the affected states. He stated that the arrests, which took place between October and November 2025, should serve as a warning to individuals involved in or planning criminal activities that “there is no hiding place for them across board.”
He explained that two of the suspects were confirmed through investigation to be terrorist and militia operatives linked to recent communal attacks, alongside five major buyers of stolen items connected to the crimes. In addition, two suspects allegedly involved in vandalising critical public infrastructure, specifically AEDC electrical installations, were apprehended, along with three others detained for fraud-related offences.
He said: “Following the arrests, the following lethal weapons and properties were recovered during the operations: Two AK-47 Rifles; Two G3 Rifles (recovered in Ondo State); 65 Rounds of 7.62mm Live Ammunitions; One Toyota Corolla LE 2010 Model (snatched at gunpoint), four Motorcycles (snatched/stolen), various mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash.”
Providing details on arrests linked to terrorism, kidnapping and murder in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa, Dandaura said actionable intelligence led to the capture of Ibrahim Hudu, 30, and Hassan Ibrahim, 23, in Lafia. Both men allegedly confessed to their roles in the crimes. He said they were involved in the kidnapping and killing of Mr. Obasanjo Aku along the Lafia–Akwanga Road after collecting ransom.
He said they also admitted to kidnapping and killing Mr. Muhammadu Yaka, a farmer from Nasarawa Eggon, who was murdered after ransom was paid because he recognised one of the gang members, identified as Boddum.
Dandaura added that investigation revealed Hassan Ibrahim’s direct connection to militia attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and parts of Qua’an-Pan in Plateau State. He said the suspect confessed to looting and burning houses in Yelwata and to participating in an attack on Fili (Nteng) village, where the group was ambushed by military personnel, resulting in the death of two members, Umar and Korijo.
He stated that items recovered from the syndicate included: One AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition and charms.
Speaking further, Dandaura listed additional suspects arrested in Lafia and surrounding communities: Bamaiyi Mustapha (also known as Dan Borno), John Ishaya (nicknamed Baushe) and James Bako (popularly called Muchake).
He said: “They have all confessed to attempted kidnap of high-profile individuals in Nasarawa State, including Turaki Gamji and Alhaji Bil-adama.
“This gang is also linked to numerous armed robbery operations across Lambata (Niger), Kogi, Kaduna Road, and Akwanga (Nasarawa), including high-way robbery on the Minna-Niger Road and Abuja-Kaduna Road and investigation revealed that they are heavily involved in cattle rustling in Nasarawa State.”
He added that: “In a major success in the fight against arms proliferation, the CG’s SIS arrested Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin (27yrs) in Ondo State and recovered 2-G3 rifles with Breach numbers 6911856 and 69047064 respectively.”
Dandaura also disclosed the arrest of individuals accused of tampering with national assets in Nasarawa. He said Nyitamen George, 34, was detained for illegally manipulating electrical installations, connecting residents to power unlawfully and diverting electricity payments for personal use, while Muhammad Aliyu, known as Aliko, 23, was arrested for vandalism, assault and causing grievous harm.
The SIS Commander noted that the operation further extended to crippling the logistics and financial supply chain of the criminal networks, with five suspects arrested for purchasing or receiving stolen items from kidnapping and robbery operations. He identified them as follows: Amin Omaku, who allegedly bought a Toyota Corolla LE 2010 model and three motorcycles; Emmanuel Sale, who purchased two mobile phones and two televisions; Victor Eze Friday, who bought a Samsung Galaxy S10E; Sunday Thankgod, found with an iPhone 14 Pro; and Hassan Bawa, arrested with a motorcycle in his possession.
He said: “Let me reaffirm the Commandant General’s commitment to rid the nation of the scourge unleashed by economic saboteurs, vandals and crime perpetrators as these arrests underscores the unwavering commitment of the NSCDC to salvage our communities from criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and properties of citizens in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We assure the public that all suspects would be charged to court immediately upon the conclusion of thorough investigations and we urge Nigerians to continue to provide actionable intelligence to the NSCDC and other security agencies to help us clamp down on criminal activities in the nation.”
