The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 35-year-old man, Nura Yerima, for spreading false allegations on social media against one of its personnel, Idris Saidu S.C.

Yerima had falsely alleged that Saidu was involved in supplying rifles to bandits, despite a ruling by a competent court in Niger State (Suit No: MN/MTB/CR/60/14) on July 8, 2015, which exonerated the officer.

Speaking to journalists at the command headquarters in Minna on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Commandant Adamu Abdullahi Kambara disclosed that the command initially ignored the fake news but had to act after Yerima persisted with the false allegations.

According to Kambara, Yerima continued to circulate the false allegations against the personnel, and we had no option but to trace and arrest him.

The suspect, currently in the custody of the NSCDC, will undergo further investigation, after which he will be arraigned in court for prosecution.

Commandant Kambara explained that Yerima was apprehended by NSCDC operatives on September 17, 2024, as part of the command’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Corps and its personnel.

Additionally, Kambara reported that the command’s “Operation Flush Patrol Team” arrested three teenagers involved in phone snatching along Tunga, near Land Mark Bakery, in Minna. Dangerous weapons, including a cutlass and knives, were recovered from the suspects.

The Commandant emphasized that the suspects are under investigation and will soon face prosecution.

Kambara reiterated that no amount of blackmail or slander would deter the Corps from its responsibility to protect national assets and critical infrastructure. He reaffirmed the command’s readiness to make Niger State inhospitable to vandals and criminals.

“I appeal to members of the public to always verify information through proper official channels,” Kambara said, adding that the spread of false and unverifiable information undermines national security and damages the Corps’ reputation. “Offenders will face the full weight of legal consequences.”