Gombe NSCDC arrests 209 suspects in 2 months

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, said it arrested no fewer than 209 suspects across the state for various offences between Aug. 29 and Oct. 21.

Mr Mohammed Mu’azu, the state Commandant, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Gombe on Wednesday.

Mu’azu said the 209 suspects had been taken to court with 187 convicted, while the remaining 22 arrested for alleged involvement in homosexuality were still in court.

He explained that the command had stepped up surveillance and busted several hideouts which had led to several arrest of suspects who had majorly been involved in anti-social vices.

He also said personnel of the command had responded to the order of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of the state on the closure of all Gala houses (night clubs) in the state which had been used to perpetuate several crimes, especially against minors.

The commandant noted that the rate at which anti-social vices thrived in the state was alarming and had become a concern for the command, hence the improved surveillance to address the menace.

“It is bad to find out that one or two out of every five suspects arrested during the raid on Gala houses (night clubs), where these crimes are committed turned out positive for HIV when tested.

“It is a tradition here that anyone arrested is subjected to medical test and this had helped us to advise relevant stakeholders,” he said.

On the command’s foiling of same-sex marriage on Saturday, Mu’azu said the menace would not be condoned in the state.

He warned those still involved in such acts to desist as his personnel would not relent in bringing them to face the law.

“It will shock you to know that there is an NGO in the state that is providing resources to these young boys to support them in the practice of same-sex and homosexuality; telling them it is their right.

“This NGO, I learnt is giving them (the arrested suspects) all forms of encouragements by supplying them condoms, lubricants, antibiotics and even teaching them how to go about homosexuality.

“We are going to court to get a warrant before approaching the NGO because the future of our children is important to us.

We want a better society where our children will not be exposed to practices that can ruin their dreams in life,” he said.

Mu’azu appealed to government at all levels, stakeholders and parents to take proactive measures in addressing the issue of homosexuality before it becomes a major crisis for the country.