FCT: NSCDC arrests 42 suspected bandits fleeing from Zamfara

The operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, have arrested suspected 42 bandits/ terrorists in Abuja.

The suspects who were arrested on Monday, 12th February, at about 0600hrs, were paraded on Wednesday by the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Mr Olusola Odumosu, at the Command headquarters, Abuja. 

Odumosu revealed that acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with soldiers, the 42 suspected bandits/terrorists were intercepted at the forest of Tsaumi Village bothering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

He commended the Nigerian Army for working in synergy with the Corps in the efforts to rid FCT of crimes and criminalities. 

He said: “Recall that a few days ago, I summoned the Heads of our Intelligence teams, Area Commanders and all Divisional Officers to a meeting in order to review our strategies given the current trends in the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“I gave a fresh charge to the officers and men to step up our game against criminal elements within our territory using intelligence gathering.

“I am happy to announce to you today that the charge is paying off. Acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, 42 suspected bandits and terrorists operating under the cover of being miners of solid minerals have been arrested. 

“Preliminary investigation by the Corps revealed that they may not be miners as they presented but rather suspected bandits fleeing the on-going onslaught of the military operation in Zamfara State through the forest zone of Niger State into the FCT through Gwagwalada Area Council en route Pai Village of Kwali Area Council,” he stated.

Odumosu explained that in the course of interrogation, the suspects were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they alleged to be working for.

He said further investigation revealed that this group of young men have been operating within Zamfara, Kogi and Niger States.

“At the time they were intercepted, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities which suggest they have a sinister agenda.

“They have also confessed to having sponsors, however investigation in that regard is still ongoing and you will be intimated when it is concluded,” he said.

He disclosed that the suspects have been cooperating with the Corps by giving useful information that would help determine their level of involvement in banditry and kidnapping activities in the FCT, adding that when investigations were concluded and their level of involvement in crime is determined, necessary further actions would be taken.

“In the same vein our operational synergy with the men of Department of state security services led to the arrest of one Bartholomew Anthony, a male, 27 years old from kaura Local government area of Kaduna State. He was arrested at the mabushi axis of the FCT.

“The said Bartholomew Anthony was arrested with the following exhibits; Pieces of Armoured cables, 1 hacksaw, 1 Jack knife; 1 Techno Bolton handset Twenty (N20,000) Thousand Naira cash.”