THE Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 20 suspects across several states for offences ranging from kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery and vandalism to fraud and other related crimes.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, on Thursday in Abuja, the arrests were carried out between October and November 2025 under the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, as part of a renewed crackdown on criminal syndicates operating nationwide.
Babawale noted that the operations led to the recovery of lethal weapons and stolen property, including two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, 65 rounds of live ammunition, one Toyota Corolla (2010 model) snatched at gunpoint, four stolen motorcycles, assorted mobile phones, electronic devices, charms, and cash.
The head of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, AS Dandaura, stated that the 20 suspects were arrested in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Ondo States.
He disclosed that two of the suspects were confirmed to be terrorist/militia elements linked to recent communal attacks, while five others were identified as major buyers of stolen items. Two additional suspects were apprehended for vandalising Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) installations, and three others were arrested for fraud and related offences.
In Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States, two suspects — Ibrahim Hudu (30) and Hassan Ibrahim (23) — were arrested in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for their involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery and murder. The duo confessed to abducting and killing Mr Obasanjo H. Aku along the Lafia–Akwanga Road after collecting ransom. They also admitted to kidnapping and murdering Mr Muhammadu Yaka, a farmer in Nasarawa Eggon, after he recognised one of them.
Investigations further revealed that Hassan Ibrahim has direct links to militia attacks in Yelwata community (Guma LGA, Benue State) and Qua’an Pan LGA (Plateau State). He confessed to looting and burning houses in Yelwata and participating in an attack on Fili (Nteng) village, where some of their gang members were killed in a military ambush.
Recovered from this syndicate were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and charms.
Similarly, the CG’s SIS arrested three suspected kidnappers — Bamaiyi Mustapha (alias Dan Borno), John Ishaya (alias Baushe) and James Bako (alias Muchake) — in Nasarawa State. They allegedly attempted to abduct high-profile individuals including Turaki Gamji and Alhaji Bil-adama and have been linked to several highway robberies across Niger, Kogi, Kaduna and Nasarawa States, as well as cattle rustling operations.
In Ondo State, Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin (27) was arrested for illegal possession of firearms, with two G3 rifles recovered from him.
The squad also apprehended Nyitamen George (34) for tampering with electrical installations and diverting electricity payments in Nasarawa State, while Muhammad Aliyu (23), also known as Aliko, was arrested for vandalism, assault and causing grievous bodily harm.
Five other suspects — Amin Omaku, Emmanuel Sale, Victor Eze Friday, Sunday ThankGod and Hassan Bawa — were arrested for buying or receiving stolen items, including vehicles, motorcycles, phones and televisions.
Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding national infrastructure.
