The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 16 suspects in connection with offences including possession of counterfeit $600,000, unlawful possession of firearms, illegal mining and suspected kidnapping during separate operations in Kano and Edo States.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in collaboration with the NSCDC Kano State Command.
Babawale Afolabi, Spokesman for the Corps, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that the operations formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by the corps to combat organised crime and economic sabotage across the country.
According to the statement, one of the suspects, Abbas Garkuwa, was arrested for allegedly printing counterfeit United States dollars and defrauding unsuspecting victims.
It said the suspect was apprehended on February 27 at Kwankwasiya City, along Zaria Road in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, where operatives recovered fake $600,000 believed to be worth nearly N1 billion.
Investigations, the Corps said, revealed that Garkuwa had earlier issued counterfeit $6,200 to a victim at an exchange rate of N1,452 after collecting N9 million from the victim.
“Garkuwa is involved in printing counterfeit US dollars and was arrested with fake $600,000, equivalent to almost one billion naira.
“He also obtained money under false pretence after issuing fake United States dollars amounting to $6,200 to a victim at an exchange rate of ₦1,452, having earlier obtained ₦9 million from the victim,” the statement said.
It added that preliminary investigation showed the suspect received N5.5 million through his Zenith Bank account and allegedly orchestrated a fake transfer of N8 million through an accomplice, Kabiru Ketti, in a bid to deceive the victim.
“Items recovered from the suspect include large quantities of substances suspected to be charms, 10 empty chemical containers, a travel ticket to Cameroon, chemicals believed to be used in counterfeiting operations, plain sheets, a security identity card bearing his name, ATM cards from GTBank and Zenith Bank, complimentary cards and other personal effects”, it added.
The NSCDC said investigators had also linked the suspect to another individual, Usman Muazu of Tanturus in Gombe State, who is currently at large.
In a separate operation in Kano, operatives of the intelligence squad arrested one Sulaiman Uba, who was found in possession of six locally fabricated rifles.
According to NSCDC, the suspect informed investigators that he received the firearms from one Shuaibu Isiyaka on the instructions of their alleged leader, Suleiman Isiyaka.
“Upon his arrest, Isiyaka Suleiman confessed that the criminal network operated under the guise of a private security outfit, using the cover of guard duties to facilitate illegal activities and the movement of arms from Yobe State to the Okene area of Kogi State,” the statement noted.
The suspect also reportedly admitted that members of the syndicate were deployed between 2024 and 2025 to support illicit firearms movement and related criminal activities.
The corps also arrested another suspect, Kaumi Alhaji Kadau, 39, from Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, who is alleged to be operating an illegal arms manufacturing facility.
Items recovered from him include improvised gun pipes, fire selectors, saw blades, files, a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and other metal tools believed to be used in the production of firearms.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, NSCDC operatives arrested eight suspects at Ososo Line 4 within the premises of BUA Cement in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
“The suspects are being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, illegal mining and unlawful entry into restricted areas”, it said.
It also said several items used for illegal mining activities were recovered from them, including machetes, shovels, diggers and headpans.
Reacting to the arrests, Ahmed Audi, Commandant-General of the NSCDC, commended the operatives for their efforts and expressed concern over what he described as the growing involvement of young people in crimes such as kidnapping, arms trafficking and illegal mining.
Audi warned that the corps would not treat acts of economic sabotage lightly, describing them as serious threats to national security and economic stability.
He directed the intelligence squad to intensify investigations, track down sponsors and collaborators linked to the crimes and ensure that all suspects still at large are apprehended and brought to justice.
The NSCDC has in recent years intensified intelligence-led operations across the country to tackle crimes such as illegal mining, arms trafficking, kidnapping and other forms of economic sabotage.
