NSCDC Arrests 20 Suspected Vandals, Kidnappers, Terrorists Across FCT, Four States

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 20 suspects for crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, vandalism, and obtaining by false pretence across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Ondo States.

Commandant CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Apollo Dandaura, said the arrests were carried out under the directive of NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, to clamp down on criminal activities and investigate high-profile syndicate operations nationwide.

The suspects include two confirmed terrorists/militia linked to recent communal attacks, five major buyers of stolen crime items, two vandals of public infrastructure (AEDC installations), and three others arrested for fraudulent activities.

Dandaura disclosed that the arrests took place between October and November 2025, and recovery of arms and properties included AK-47 and G3 rifles, live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, electronics, charms, and cash.

He further explained that some suspects were directly involved in kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, militia attacks, and vandalism, while others served as buyers and receivers of stolen items across multiple states.

“Let me reaffirm the Commandant General’s commitment to rid the nation of the scourge unleashed by economic saboteurs, vandals and crime perpetrators. These arrests underscore the unwavering commitment of the NSCDC to salvage our communities from criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and properties of citizens in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We assure the public that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of thorough investigations, and we urge Nigerians to continue providing actionable intelligence to the NSCDC and other security agencies to help clamp down on criminal activities across the nation.”

Meanwhile, investigations revealed that several suspects were linked to high-profile kidnappings, murders, armed robbery, cattle rustling, and attacks on communities in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Ondo, and FCT, highlighting the operational reach of criminal syndicates.