Crime
NSCDC Busts Criminal Syndicate, Arrests 16 Over Kidnapping, Illegal Mining, Fake Dollar Racket
NSCDC Busts Criminal Syndicate, Arrests 16 Over Kidnapping, Illegal Mining, Fake Dollar Racket
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a suspected criminal syndicate linked to kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal mining and the production of counterfeit United States dollars, arresting 16 suspects in coordinated intelligence operations across Kano, Edo and Yobe states.
The arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS) in collaboration with the NSCDC Kano State Command and operatives deployed to the BUA Cement Company in Okpella, Edo State.
Commander of the CG-SIS, Commandant Apollos Dandaura, disclosed during a briefing that the suspects were apprehended for offences including criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearms, illegal mining, printing of counterfeit foreign currency and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to him, the operation exposed a network of criminals involved in economic sabotage and organised crime spanning multiple states.
One of the key suspects, Abbas Garkuwa, was arrested for allegedly printing counterfeit United States dollars and defrauding victims through fraudulent currency exchange deals.
Dandaura said the suspect was apprehended on February 27 at Kwankwasiya City along Zaria Road in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State with fake $600,000 — estimated to be worth nearly ₦1 billion.
According to him, investigations revealed that Garkuwa had earlier issued counterfeit dollars amounting to $6,200 to a victim after collecting ₦9 million under the guise of a currency exchange transaction.
He reportedly received ₦5.5 million through his Zenith Bank account and also arranged a fake ₦8 million transfer through an accomplice, Kabiru Ketti, in order to deceive the victim.
Items recovered from him include chemical containers, counterfeit production materials, plain sheets, ATM cards, a travel ticket to Cameroon, identification cards and substances suspected to be charms.
Further investigation linked the counterfeit currency operation to another suspect, Usman Muazu of Tanturus in Gombe State, who is currently at large.
In another breakthrough, operatives arrested Sulaiman Mallam Uba in Kano while in possession of six brand-new locally fabricated rifles.
Uba reportedly confessed that he received the weapons from Shuaibu Isiyaka on the instructions of their leader, Suleiman Isiyaka.
Investigators said the group operated under the cover of a private security outfit, using security guard duties as a front to transport arms from Yobe State to the Okene area of Kogi State.
The intelligence squad also arrested Kaumi Alhaji Kadau, 39, from Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, who allegedly runs an illegal arms manufacturing facility supplying weapons to kidnappers, bandits and insurgents.
Security operatives recovered several tools used in the production of locally fabricated firearms from the suspect, including improvised gun pipes, fire selectors, saw blades, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and metal components.
Kadau reportedly admitted to producing the weapons and selling them to members of the criminal network, including Uba who is currently in custody.
Meanwhile, the squad also arrested eight suspects at Ososo Line 4 within the premises of BUA International Cement Company in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The suspects were accused of criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, illegal mining and unlawful entry into restricted mining areas.
Those arrested include Nurudeen Lawali, Jamilu Danyaro, Yasir Sanusi, Sarfilu Haruna, Yusuf Aminu, Nasiru Ibrahim, Shafiu Jafar, Suleiman Muhammadu, Auwulu Ladan, Rabiu Nura, Nasiru Kabir and Shamsu Yusuf.
They were reportedly found with machetes, shovels, diggers and headpans used for illegal mining activities.
Authorities said the arrests followed sustained intelligence operations launched in response to rising security concerns and kidnapping incidents around the Okpella and Etsako axis of Edo State.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, commended the intelligence squad for the successful operations, describing the arrests as a significant blow to organised crime and economic sabotage.
He expressed concern over the growing involvement of young and middle-aged individuals in kidnapping, arms trafficking and illegal mining.
Audi warned that the Corps would no longer treat acts of economic sabotage with leniency, stressing that such crimes pose serious threats to national security and economic stability.
He directed the intelligence squad to intensify investigations, track down suspects still at large and ensure that all those involved in the criminal network are brought to justice.
The NSCDC boss also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies through credible intelligence sharing to help rid communities of criminal elements.
NSCDC Busts Criminal Syndicate, Arrests 16 Over Kidnapping, Illegal Mining, Fake Dollar Racket
Crime
Troops Repel Deadly Ambush by Armed Berom Militia in Plateau, Recover Nine Dead Cattle After Attack on Herdsmen
Troops Repel Deadly Ambush by Armed Berom Militia in Plateau, Recover Nine Dead Cattle After Attack on Herdsmen
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have repelled a deadly ambush by suspected armed Berom militia during a response operation following targeted attacks on cattle in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on May 10, 2026, after troops received reports of gunshots around Gero area in Jos South LGA.
The sources said troops of Sector 3 swiftly mobilised to the scene in support of personnel of Sector 6 OPEP already operating within the area.
While attempting to link up with Sector 6 troops, the security personnel reportedly came under ambush from suspected armed Berom militia who allegedly attempted to encircle the troops from surrounding mountainous areas.
Troops, however, responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw toward Nyango and Daron communities within Jos South LGA.
Military sources said troops expended ammunition during the exchange while continuing pursuit operations across the general area.
Following the operation, troops confirmed that nine cows were killed while five others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
A herder identified as Aliyu Yusuf also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed for medical treatment.
The attack in Jos South is not an isolated incident. Only recently in Mangu Local Government Area, troops deployed to stop attacks linked to illegal mining unrest came under deadly assault from another groups of armed Militia.
During the confrontation, a senior Nigerian Army officer was killed after troops were attacked while attempting to restore order. Two of the armed terrorists were instantly gunned down.
Troops have since intensified patrols and domination operations within the affected communities to prevent further attacks and restore calm.
Zagazola report Violence keeps recycling itself because armed groups on all sides continue launching attacks knowing that ethnic sympathy and propaganda will later shield them from accountability.
Troops Repel Deadly Ambush by Armed Berom Militia in Plateau, Recover Nine Dead Cattle After Attack on Herdsmen
Troops Arrest Suspect with Over 1,300 Empty Ammunition Casings in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces headed by the Special Adviser of the Borno State government, Ibrahim Mohammed, who was the former OC Crack in Borno state have arrested a suspect in connection with the discovery of a large quantity of empty ammunition casings following an explosion incident in Kaleri general area of Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that operatives, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), mobilised to the scene at about 9:13 p.m. on May 6, 2026, after receiving information on the explosion.
On arrival, one suspect was apprehended in possession of 1,341 empty cases of 12.7 x 99mm ammunition as well as 47 ammunition boxes.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the recovered items were linked to the suspect’s brother, a soldier serving at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, who allegedly removed warheads from live rounds and diverted the empty casings for illegal sale.
The suspect is currently in police custody while further investigations are ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the diversion and possible network involved.
Troops Arrest Suspect with Over 1,300 Empty Ammunition Casings in Borno
Crime
23 Suspects, Including Notorious Gang Leader, Transferred After Joint Security Screening in Adamawa
23 Suspects, Including Notorious Gang Leader, Transferred After Joint Security Screening in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Security agencies have transferred 23 suspected criminals, including a wanted gang leader, to the Adamawa State Police Command following a joint screening operation in Mubi South and Mubi North Local Government Areas.
Security sources told Zagazola that the development followed a joint raid conducted on May 6, 2026, in which 73 suspects were arrested at a suspected criminal hideout within the area.
The sources said a joint screening exercise was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on May 7, 2026, at the Mubi South Police Division, involving intelligence operatives, military police, Nigeria Police Force representatives and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Following the screening, 50 of the suspects were released to their families after being cleared of direct involvement in criminal activities.
However, 23 suspects were retained for further investigation and subsequently transferred to the Adamawa State Police Command for additional interrogation and possible prosecution.
Among those transferred was a suspected notorious gang leader identified as Mallam Salim Danabba, also known as “Bravo Boy Leader,” who is reportedly on the security watchlist for involvement in organised criminal activities in the area.
Security authorities said the joint operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across Adamawa State and surrounding border communities.
They added that follow-up operations and intelligence-driven raids would continue to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements in the region.
23 Suspects, Including Notorious Gang Leader, Transferred After Joint Security Screening in Adamawa
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