NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspects Over Firearms Possession, Kidnapping, Job Fraud
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made significant strides in its ongoing fight against crime, with the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) arresting five suspects linked to illegal firearms possession, gunrunning, kidnapping, and job fraud.
According to a statement from the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi, these arrests are part of the Corps’ efforts to curb economic sabotage and insecurity across the country.
During the operation, NSCDC operatives seized a range of firearms, including two automatic rifles with three magazines, one AK-47 rifle with 15 live rounds, one FN rifle with two live rounds, and nine locally made pistols. Additional items recovered include one live cartridge, a bayonet, and two sets of Nigerian Forestry Security Services uniforms.
The suspects arrested for firearms and kidnapping-related offenses were identified as Umar Ibrahim (35), Nura Abubakar (20), and Mohammed Sule (20). They were apprehended in Ukoso Komva Ward, Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. During questioning, the three suspects claimed they were deceived into participating in the illegal sale of firearms by an accomplice, “Ali,” who remains at large. They were caught while on their way to deliver the weapons to a buyer. The suspects expressed remorse, asking for leniency and advising others to avoid criminal activity.
In a separate operation, Lar Changkur, a volunteer with the Nigerian Forestry Security Services in Bauchi State, was arrested for alleged involvement in gunrunning. Like the other suspects, he begged for mercy and urged people to avoid engaging in criminal activities.
Additionally, the NSCDC arrested 62-year-old Felix Clerkson in Nasarawa Eggon for job racketeering and advanced fee fraud. Clerkson was found to have defrauded job seekers of approximately ₦26 million by falsely promising them employment in the NSCDC. Over 120 fake NSCDC appointment letters were discovered during the investigation, and it was later revealed that the total amount defrauded could reach ₦55 million. The suspect shared part of the proceeds with accomplices, who are still being pursued by authorities.
The NSCDC confirmed that all five suspects would be charged in court after the completion of investigations.
The statement concluded by highlighting the continued success of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Audi and Commandant Dandaura Appollos, in combating various criminal activities such as oil theft, illegal bunkering, telecommunications and railway vandalism, kidnapping, and banditry.
