42 Suspected Bandits Escaped From Zamfara Arrested in Abuja

In a successful operation conducted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 42 individuals believed to be involved in banditry were apprehended within the capital city.

The Commander of the FCT Command of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, disclosed during a press briefing at the Corps headquarters that the suspects were captured on Monday with various sharp objects including daggers, knives, and cutlasses.

Odumosu revealed that the arrest was a result of proactive measures taken by the Corps following a meeting where strategies to combat rising insecurity in the FCT were discussed.

He commended the collaborative effort with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army which led to the successful apprehension of the suspects. The operation, conducted on Monday, took place at the forest of Tsaumi Village in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the apprehended individuals, purportedly posing as miners of solid minerals, were actually fleeing from military operations in Zamfara State and operating as bandits in Zamfara, Kogi, and Niger States.

Further investigation is underway to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities and to identify any potential sponsors. Additionally, Odumosu announced the arrest of a separate suspect, Bartholomew Anthony, in possession of stolen items and cash.

Anthony’s arrest led to the apprehension of three accomplices who are part of a syndicate specializing in vandalism and theft of armoured cables in the FCT.