20 Arrested for Kidnapping and Vandalism as NSCDC Recovers Arms in Nasarawa and Benue

The CG Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 20 members of a dangerous criminal syndicate responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, vandalism, and other crimes across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Ondo States.

According to Afolabi Babawale, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, the arrests were carried out between October and November 2025, following actionable intelligence. Commandant CG’s SIS, AS Dandaura, confirmed that the suspects included perpetrators of terrorism, militia attacks, highway robbery, and vandalism of public infrastructure.

Among the suspects were two individuals linked to communal attacks, five major buyers of stolen items, and two vandals involved in damaging AEDC installations. Additional arrests were made for fraud and related offences.

Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, 65 rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla 2010 model, four motorcycles, mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash.

The arrests also uncovered heinous crimes, including the kidnapping and murder of Obasanjo H. Aku along Lafia-Akwanga Road and the execution of farmer Muhammadu Yaka in Nasarawa Eggon. Investigation revealed links between some suspects and militia attacks in Guma LGA, Benue State, and Qua’an-Pan LGA, Plateau State, including looting and arson in Yelwata and Fili (Nteng) villages.

In Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kaduna States, suspects Bamaiyi Mustapha (Dan Borno), John Ishaya (Baushe), and James Bako (Muchake) were arrested for attempted kidnappings of high-profile individuals and involvement in highway robberies, armed robbery, and cattle rustling.

In Ondo State, Iseoluwa Shadrach Omosehin (27) was apprehended with two G3 rifles as part of the NSCDC’s efforts to combat arms proliferation.

The operation also targeted tampering with critical infrastructure. Nyitamen George (34) was arrested for illegally manipulating electrical installations and collecting payments, while Muhammad Aliyu (Aliko, 23) was arrested for vandalism, assault, and grievous hurt.

Five suspects were arrested as part of the logistics and financial network supporting the syndicate, including buyers of stolen vehicles and electronics. Items recovered from these individuals included cars, motorcycles, mobile phones, and televisions.

Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that all suspects would be charged to court following thorough investigations. He urged the public to provide actionable intelligence to assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities nationwide.