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 arrest suspected intruder at Army school in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected intruder at Army school in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) under Sector 2 have arrested a suspected intruder at the Army Command Secondary School in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 12:30 p.m. on April 20 after he was found attempting to gain entry into the school premises by jumping over the fence.
The sources said the individual was immediately taken into custody by troops on duty at the location.
The apprehended suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities reiterated the importance of vigilance around critical infrastructure, adding that measures were in place to prevent any breach of security within the area.
Troops arrest suspected intruder at Army school in Plateau
Crime
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 233 Battalion, operating in the Babbangida general area of Yobe state, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised three terrorists during a fighting patrol operation in Nanewa village.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on April 19 when troops on patrol in the area made contact with an ambush laid by suspected terrorists lying in wait along the route.

The patrol team, however, successfully fought through the ambush and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of three terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The operation was completed without casualties to friendly forces, while the patrol team later returned safely to base at about 7:15 p.m.
Security sources described the general situation in the area as calm but unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and operational efficiency remain high.
They added that sustained patrols and clearance operations were ongoing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement within the theatre.
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Crime
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension rose in Kassa community of Kassa District, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, as angry youths and women on Sunday attacked soldiers and set ablaze a military checkpoint following the burial of a resident reportedly killed by Fulani armed attackers.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on April 20 when a crowd stormed a checkpoint at Rapung Kassa and destroyed the facility, including makeshift structures and equipment used by troops deployed in the area.

The attack reportedly happened during the burial ceremony of one Gyang Nuhu Choji, who was said to have been killed on April 16 by unidentified armed men suspected to be Fulani bandits operating within the general area.
Witnesses said the protesters, made up of youths and women, accused security operatives of failing to prevent repeated attacks in the community, alleging that the presence of troops had not translated into adequate protection for residents.
The angry mob reportedly blocked access roads during the protest, temporarily disrupting movement in and out of the area before later reopening the route to motorists after intervention by local stakeholders and assurances from security representatives.
A community source said calm was eventually restored after engagements between community leaders and security authorities, during which assurances were given that the situation would be reviewed to prevent further escalation.
Security sources confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the incident, adding that monitoring and patrols had been intensified in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Zagazola report that the Plateau State security environment has remained volatile in recent months, with recurring incidents of violence prompting continued deployment of security forces and community-level engagements aimed at restoring lasting peace.
Security assessments have indicated a pattern of violence involving Fulani bandits and armed elements of the Berom where both groups had sustained their campaign of terror.

The recent pattern of attacks was traced to April 13 at about 0700 hrs, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), conducted a search-and-rescue operation in Ariri and Kwasha villages of Bassa LGA following reports of a missing herder. During the operation, troops discovered the corpse of the herder and recovered 32 cattle alive, while three others were found dead. The remains and livestock were handed over to community leaders.
On the same day, troops also responded to intelligence on an illegal settlers’ camp in Ungwan Doki, Riyom LGA, where four suspected illegal migrants were arrested.
On April 12, at about 1440 hrs, troops restored calm after a clash between farmers and herders in Rakum village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Five locals, two herders, and a police officer sustained injuries after being attacked by Berom militia, while one suspect was arrested.
Earlier at about 1222 hrs in Rasa village, troops foiled another attack on a herder by suspected armed Berom elements and evacuated the injured victim to hospital. At about 2100 hrs, troops responded to sporadic gunfire along Hukke–Rewienko road in Bassa LGA, repelling attackers and rescuing an injured civilian.
In a related development, at about 1800 hrs, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling incident in Kpashio village, recovering 92 cattle reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects. The owner of the livestock was either killed and buried in a shallow grave or escaped the assault.
Within the same period, armed Berom militia engaged troops of Operation Enduring Peace in a heavy gun battle in Barkin Ladi. The troops gunned down five of the attackers. Later that same day, the corpses were hastily buried by the community to avoid scrutiny due to the identity of the attackers.
On April 18, 2026, troops intercepted and apprehended nine suspected Berom militia involved in targeted killing. Those arrested were identified as Mr. Gyang Dantoro, Mr. Samson Davou, Mr. Choji Yakubu, Mr. Vincent Adamu, Mr. Pam Dalyop, Mr. Femi Badung, Mr. Jacob Musa and Mr. Choji Chaga, all residents of Danwal and reportedly of Berom extraction.
Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items.
On April 19, nine cattle were confirmed dead while three others are in critical condition following a suspected poisoning by Berom youths in Rakum village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
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