NSCDC Arrests 20 for Kidnapping, Vandalism; Recovers Rifles, Ammunition in Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Others

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of 20 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, vandalism, and other serious crimes across several states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Ondo.

Afolabi Babawale, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement from the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja. He said the arrests, made between October and November 2025, were the result of coordinated operations by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) based on actionable intelligence.

According to the statement, the suspects include two men linked to recent communal attacks, five buyers of stolen goods, and several others involved in vandalism and fraud-related offences.

Items recovered during the operations include two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles (seized in Ondo State), 65 rounds of live ammunition, a stolen Toyota Corolla (2010 model), four motorcycles, mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash

The NSCDC revealed that its operatives arrested Ibrahim Hudu (30) and Hassan Ibrahim (23) in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The duo confessed to multiple kidnappings and murders, including the killing of Mr. Obasanjo H. Aku along the Lafia–Akwanga Road after collecting ransom.

They also admitted to kidnapping and killing Muhammadu Yaka, a farmer from Nasarawa Eggon, after realizing he recognized one of their gang members. Further investigation linked Hassan Ibrahim to militia attacks in Yelwata (Benue State) and Qua’an Pan (Plateau State), where several homes were looted and burnt.

Recovered from their syndicate were one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and charms.

The CG’s SIS also nabbed suspected highway robbers in Lafia, identified as Bamaiyi Mustapha (aka Dan Borno), John Ishaya (aka Baushe), and James Bako (aka Muchake). They confessed to attempting to kidnap prominent individuals, including Turaki Gamji and Alhaji Bil-adama, and were linked to several highway robberies across Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States.

In Ondo State, Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin (27) was arrested for illegal possession of two G3 rifles. Meanwhile, in Nasarawa, Nyitamen George (34) was caught tampering with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) installations and diverting funds, while Muhammad Aliyu (aka Aliko, 23) was arrested for vandalism and assault.

The squad also disrupted the logistics chain supporting the syndicates, arresting five major buyers of stolen items. Among them were Amin Omaku, who purchased a stolen Toyota Corolla and three motorcycles, and Sunday Thankgod, caught with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Others—Emmanuel Sale, Victor Eze Friday, and Hassan Bawa—were found in possession of mobile phones, televisions, and motorcycles traced to criminal operations.

The Commandant of the Special Intelligence Squad, AS Dandaura, reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to ridding the nation of kidnappers, vandals, and armed gangs.

“These arrests underscore our resolve to cleanse communities of criminal elements and safeguard lives and property in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.

The NSCDC assured that all suspects will be charged to court after investigations, urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to aid security operations nationwide.