The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 20 individuals in a series of operations spanning the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Ondo States.
The arrests, conducted between October and November 2025, target suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, and the vandalism of critical public infrastructure, the Corps confirmed in a statement by its National Spokesperson, CSC Afolabi Babawale.
Commandant Apolos Dandaura, head of the NSCDC Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), stated that the operation was part of directives from the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, aimed at dismantling high-profile criminal syndicates.
According to him, among those arrested were two confirmed terrorist suspects linked to communal attacks, and five individuals identified as major recipients of stolen property.
“The squad has successfully apprehended individuals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, vandalism, obtaining property by false pretence, and related crimes,” Dandaura said.
He added that two suspects had targeted key infrastructure, including installations of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), while three others were detained for fraud-related offences.
A range of weapons and assets were recovered during the operations, including two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles seized in Ondo State, sixty-five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Toyota Corolla LE 2010 model, four motorcycles, various mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash.
Providing further details on the syndicate responsible for terrorism and kidnapping in Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa, Dandaura added that Ibrahim Hudu, 30, and Hassan Ibrahim, 23, were arrested in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and confessed to involvement in the kidnappings and killings of Obasanjo H. Aku along Lafia-Akwanga Road, and Muhammadu Yaka of Nasarawa Eggon, following ransom collections.
Investigations linked Hassan Ibrahim to militia attacks in Yelwata, Benue State, and Qua’an-Pan, Plateau State, including looting and arson. Weapons seized from this syndicate included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, forty rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, and charms.
In Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kaduna states, Bamaiyi Mustapha (also known as Dan Borno), John Ishaya (Baushe), and James Bako (Muchake) were arrested in connection with attempted kidnappings of high-profile individuals and armed robbery along major highways, including Minna–Niger and Abuja–Kaduna roads. These suspects were also linked to cattle rustling in Nasarawa State.
A separate operation in Ondo State resulted in the arrest of Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin, 27, and the recovery of two G3 rifles. Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State, Nyitamen George, 34, was apprehended for tampering with electrical installations and illegally collecting payments from residents, while Muhammad Aliyu, 23, faced charges for vandalism, assault, and grievous hurt.
Dandaura explained that five other suspects were detained for acting as buyers or receivers of stolen items, including vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and electronics.
“These arrests dismantle parts of the logistics and financial networks supporting these criminal enterprises,” he said.
The NSCDC reiterated that all suspects would face prosecution upon completion of investigations. Dandaura urged citizens to continue providing actionable intelligence to support ongoing operations and reinforce public safety.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting communities from criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he concluded.
