The Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had arrested 13 suspected burglars believed to have been terrorising traders at the Sokoto Central Market.
Also nabbed, according to the Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr Babangida Aliyu, in Sokoto on Friday are two persons suspected to be receivers of stolen goods.
Aliyu told newsmen that the ages of the burglary suspects and one receiver ranged between 15 and 21, while the second receiver was 60 years old.
”Officers and men of the corps outpost at the market had at around midnight on Thursday apprehended one of the teenage suspected burglars while in the act.
”His arrest led to the arrest of the 12 other suspects, as well as the two suspected receivers.
”We have also spread our dragnets to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate who are at large.
”We have also recovered some wares, weapons and drugs from the suspects,” he said.
Aliyu disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.
In his reaction, Director-General of the market, Alhaji Abdullahi Bafarawa, commended the corps for the arrest.
”The recurring cases of burglary of shops at the market have been a great source of concern for both the traders and the management.
”We will continue to partner with the corps to stop the nefarious acts of pilferage in the market,” he said.
Bafarawa stated that the management of the market had undertaken some emergency repairs on the market’s perimeter walls and gates.
He explained that the measures were aimed at fortifying security at the market.
”We have also issued an ultimatum to the owners of all vacant shops to occupy them or else we will revoke their allocations and re-allocate them to others,” he said.
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