The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported the arrest of 111 suspected criminals between January and March, as announced by the Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, during an interview with journalists in Abuja.
Of the apprehended individuals, nine were detained for their involvement in vandalizing public infrastructure, while 102 were apprehended in connection with illegal mining activities.
Odumosu revealed that the suspects have been brought before the courts, with some already convicted, while others are either on bail or undergoing further investigation. Notably, one suspect was discharged and acquitted by the court.
Providing specifics, Odumosu highlighted cases such as the arrest of Munkalu Yakubu and 41 others for illegal gold mining in Dai village, Kwali Area Council. Additionally, Ibrahim Talasne and 52 others are facing charges related to illegal gold mining, while Saidu Ismail and six others were arrested for illegal mining of precious stones in the CITEC area of Idu.
In addition to infractions related to mining, the NSCDC also arrested individuals for vandalizing public infrastructure. Among those apprehended were Yakubu Mati for damaging railway line armored cables at a metro railway station in Idu, Anthong Batoulumen and three others for vandalizing armored cables at Mabushi, and Obadiah Ezekiel for vandalizing a shop at Games Village. Furthermore, Wodi Sunday, Habib Mohammed, and Jibirin Idris were arrested for vandalizing telecommunication assets and theft.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects included a decommissioned telecommunication mast, pumping machine, armored cables, liters of fuel, and substances suspected to be gold.
In another operation, the NSCDC’s intelligence unit apprehended seven individuals for allegedly producing illegal firearms.
Odumosu issued a stern warning against vandalizing critical national assets and infrastructure, emphasizing that perpetrators would face the full weight of the law. He assured residents of the FCT that civil defence personnel would redouble their efforts to ensure safety and security.
