Operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have successfully apprehended no fewer than twenty individuals suspected to be involved in kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, and other criminal activities across several states, including Benue, Ondo, Plateau, and Nasarawa. The arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, under the leadership of Appolos Dandaura, as part of an intensified nationwide operation targeting criminal networks and their accomplices.

According to the NSCDC, the arrests were conducted between October and November 2025, sending a clear message to criminal elements that there is no safe haven for unlawful activities. Among the suspects, two were linked to terrorist and militia groups responsible for recent communal attacks, while five others were identified as major buyers of stolen goods connected to these crimes. The squad also apprehended two individuals suspected of vandalizing public infrastructure belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, alongside three others involved in fraudulent activities.

During the operations, security personnel recovered a substantial cache of weapons and stolen property, including two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, 65 rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla LE 2010 model taken at gunpoint, four stolen motorcycles, mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash. Intelligence-led investigations led to the arrest of two key suspects, Ibrahim Hudu, 30, and Hassan Ibrahim, 23, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Both confessed to participating in a syndicate engaged in terrorism, kidnapping, and murder across Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa states.

The NSCDC confirmed that the syndicate was responsible for the abduction and killing of Muhammadu Yaka, a farmer from Nasarawa Eggon, after ransom demands were met, as the victim had reportedly recognized a gang member. Further investigations revealed Hassan Ibrahim’s involvement in militia attacks in Yelwata (Guma LGA, Benue State) and Fili village in Plateau State, where several members of the gang were neutralized during confrontations with military forces. Items recovered from these operations included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, forty rounds of special ammunition, and charms.

In addition to terrorism and kidnapping cases, the squad apprehended suspects involved in armed robbery and highway criminality across Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kaduna states. Key arrests included Bamaiyi Mustapha (aka Dan Borno), John Ishaya (aka Baushe), and James Bako (aka Muchake), all of whom confessed to attempted kidnappings of high-profile individuals and involvement in numerous armed robberies, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes along major highways such as Minna-Niger Road and Abuja-Kaduna Road.

Further successes included the arrest of Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin (27) in Ondo State, who was found in possession of two G3 rifles, as well as individuals tampering with critical infrastructure in Nasarawa State. Nyitamen George (34) was apprehended for illegal electricity connections and fraudulent billing, while Muhammad Aliyu (23), also known as Aliko, was arrested for vandalism and assault.

The NSCDC emphasized that these operations are part of a sustained campaign to dismantle the networks behind criminal activities, disrupt their logistical and financial channels, and ensure public safety. Five suspects linked to the purchase and distribution of stolen goods were also taken into custody, underscoring the corps’ commitment to addressing all aspects of criminal enterprise. The NSCDC reiterated its determination to continue intelligence-driven operations nationwide, ensuring the protection of lives, property, and critical national assets.