By 
By Abiodun OBA
Suspects allegedly involved in the sale of firearms and ammunition to bandits and kidnappers have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Corps Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi paraded the five alleged gunrunners alongside 13 suspects recently arrested over alleged unlawful possession of arms, explosives and ammunition across the country before journalists at the NSCDC headquarters, Abuja on Saturday.
The arrests were made by the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, in synergy with other security agencies in various parts of the country.
NSCDC boss who was represented by Babawale Afolabi, the spokesperson of the NSCDC said that N175,000 cash allegedly meant for the purchase of 130 pieces of AK-47 ammunition, a red golf car, one Infinix phone, one Itel button phone, one knife, one wrist watch and charms were recovered from the five alleged gunrunners.
The CG said that one of those arrested, John Ishaya, was a notorious criminal and ex-convict on the watch list of the corps.
He said that some of the suspects were involved in vandalism of public infrastructure and assets, as well as other nefarious activities.
Audu said two others were arrested while conveying vandalised rail track slippers and tracks concealed under sugarcane along Kwoi- Kagarko-Tafa-Jere road in Kaduna State.
“We will dig deep to unravel and expose those sponsoring vandalism and trading of railway slippers across the nation.
“When we apprehend them, we will bring them to book,” Audi said.
The CG further said apart from the 13 suspects, five others were arrested around Tebetaba Community, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that they pretended to act as private security guards to carry out nefarious crimes.
“Exhibits recovered from the 5-member suspects included: one explosive dynamite, one pumping machine, one full park of welding electrode.
“Two spanners, 11 bolts/ knots and five aprons tagged Dalon Security Services,” he said.
According to him, another suspect, Jubril Abdullahi, was arrested in possession of a phone belonging to woman who was kidnapped.
“Jibrin was caught with an Iphone 6s Pro owned by a woman who was kidnapped on January 10, 2024 in Abuja.
“Among the exhibits recovered from the suspect are: two phone packs, one white charger, bank debit cards, an Issuance letter, five packs of SIM cards, passports and documents belonging to other persons,” he said.
The CG reiterated that the NSCDC being the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, was committed to fulfilling its mandate.
“We reassure the public of diligent and professional investigation after which all the suspects will be charged to court,” he added.
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