The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a suspect allegedly found with fake $600,000 and 15 others over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms and other related crimes.

The arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS) in collaboration with the NSCDC Kano State Command and operatives attached to BUA Cement Company in Edo State.

Commander of the CG-SIS, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, disclosed this during a briefing following a series of coordinated intelligence-driven operations, a statement on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi said.

According to him, one of the suspects, Abbas Lawan Garkuwa, was arrested for allegedly printing counterfeit United States dollars and issuing fake currency to unsuspecting victims.

Dandaura explained that the suspect was apprehended with fake $600,000, an amount estimated to be nearly ₦1 billion, and was also accused of obtaining money by false pretence after issuing fake US dollars amounting to $6,200 to a victim at an exchange rate of ₦1,452, having earlier collected ₦9 million from the victim.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Garkuwa received ₦5.5 million through his Zenith Bank account and allegedly orchestrated a fake transfer of ₦8 million through an accomplice, Kabiru Ketti, in order to deceive the viitim.

The suspect was arrested on February 27 at Kwankwasiya City along Zaria Road in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

Items recovered from him include large quantities of substances suspected to be charms, 10 empty chemical containers, chemicals used in counterfeiting, plain sheets, a travel ticket to Cameroon, a security identification card bearing his name, ATM cards from GTBank and Zenith Bank, as well as complimentary cards and other personal effects.

Further investigation linked the suspect’s counterfeit currency dealings to one Usman Muazu of Tanturus in Gombe State, who is currently at large.

In another operation, the squad arrested one Sulaiman Mallam Uba in Kano State while in possession of six brand-new locally fabricated rifles.

During interrogation, Uba reportedly confessed that he received the weapons from one Shuaibu Isiyaka on the instruction of their leader, Suleiman Isiyaka.

Dandaura said investigations revealed that the syndicate operated under the guise of a private security outfit, using guard duties as cover to facilitate illegal activities and the movement of arms from Yobe State to the Okene axis of Kogi State.

The suspect further admitted that members of the group were deployed between 2024 and 2025 to support illicit firearms movement and other criminal operations.

Items recovered from the suspects include six locally fabricated rifles as well as charms, amulets and chains.

In a related development, the squad also arrested a 39-year-old suspect, Kaumi Alhaji Kadau from Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, who allegedly runs an arms-manufacturing workshop.

Investigations revealed that Kadau specialized in producing locally made firearms which he sold to kidnappers, bandits, insurgents and other criminal groups.

Recovered exhibits from his workshop include improvised gun pipes, fire selectors, saw blades, hand files, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, bicycle parts, knives, axe, wooden materials, metals, spray paint and an iron toolbox used in fabricating the weapons.

He also reportedly confessed to supplying weapons to Sulaiman Mallam Uba, who is currently in custody.

Meanwhile, the intelligence squad also arrested eight suspects at Line 4 of BUA International Cement Company in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, criminal trespass, illegal mining and unlawful entry into restricted areas.

The arrests were made In line with the provisions of Sections 1, 2 and 131 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, as well as Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The operations followed sustained intelligence efforts and security offensives by the Corps in response to growing concerns over kidnapping and illegal mining activities around the Okpella and Etsako axis of Edo State.

The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry in the operations.

Audi expressed concern over the growing involvement of young and middle-aged individuals in kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage.

He reaffirmed that under his leadership the Corps would not treat acts of economic sabotage lightly, describing them as serious threats to national security and stability.

The NSCDC boss directed the Special Intelligence Squad to intensify investigations, track down other suspects currently at large and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

He also assured that the suspects already in custody would be prosecuted diligently, while urging members of the public to continue supporting the Corps with credible intelligence to help rid communities of criminal elements. (Nigerian Tribune)

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