The NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Afolabi Babawale, disclosed this at a news briefing on Monday in Abuja.

Babawale said that the suspects were arrested over offences ranging from unlawful possession of firearms, fabrication of local firearms, and criminal conspiracy.

Other offences, he said, were printing of counterfeit U.S. dollar notes, obtaining by false pretence, criminal trespass, suspected kidnapping and illegal mining activities.

He said that the successful operations were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), personnel from Kano command and operatives stationed at BUA Cement Company, Etsako East LGA of Edo State.

According to him, a suspect who belonged to a syndicate that disguised as private security guards was arrested in Kano State in possession of six new locally fabricated rifles.

He said that in another operation, a-39 year old male who specialises in the production of locally made weapons and allegedly sells to kidnappers, bandits, insurgents, and other criminals was arrested.

“Exhibits used in the production recovered from him include six improvised gun pipes, three improvised fire selectors, six saw blades, 12 hand files, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, bicycle fenders, pieces of sandpaper, knives, among others.

“He also confessed to selling firearms to a male suspect who is currently in our custody,” he said.

The CG’s SIS Commander, Apollos Dandaura, while giving detailed information, said that one of the suspects was arrested over printing counterfeit U.S. dollar notes and fake 600,000 U.S. dollars.

“He also obtained money by false pretence after issuing fake dollars amounting to 6,200 dollars to a victim at an exchange rate of N1, 452, having earlier obtained N9 million from the victim.

“He has in possession large quantity of substance suspected to be charms, 10 empty chemical containers, travel ticket to Cameroon, chemicals used in counterfeiting, plain sheets and security ID card bearing his name.

“Others are GTBank and Zenith ATM cards and other personal items were in his possession,” Dandaura revealed.

The commander said that other suspects were arrested over various other offences; including, illegal mining activities and suspected kidnap operations.

NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, commended the squad personnel for their display of gallantry and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

Audi, however, expressed concerns over the increasing involvement of young and middle-aged individuals in kidnapping, arms deals, illegal mining, and other acts of economic sabotage.

“Under my leadership, the corps will not treat any act of economic sabotage with kid gloves, as these offences constitute serious threats to national security and stability,” he said.

He directed the CG’s SIS to intensify investigations, identify all sponsors and ensure that suspects at large were apprehended and brought to book.

The NSCDC boss gave assurance that all cases would be prosecuted diligently to serve as deterrent, while also appreciating the public for consistently supporting the corps with information.

He called for stronger collaboration and credible intelligence sharing to rid communities of criminal elements. (NAN)