NSCDC arrests 16 suspects in Kano and Edo for crimes including counterfeit dollars, illegal arms, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, through the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad and the Kano State Command, has arrested 16 suspected criminals for a series of offences across Kano and Edo States.

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According to ACC Afolabi Babawale, the offences include criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, suspected kidnapping, illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, printing of counterfeit US dollars, and obtaining money by false pretence.

Among those arrested, Abbas Lawan Garkuwa was apprehended for printing counterfeit US dollars.

Authorities recovered fake $600,000, approximately one billion naira, along with evidence of fraudulent transfers totaling N22.5 million.

Investigators also found charms, chemical containers, counterfeit materials, and a travel ticket to Cameroon.

Garkuwa’s operations were allegedly linked to Usman Muazu of Gombe State, who remains at large.

In another operation, Sulaiman Mallam Uba was arrested in Kano with six locally fabricated rifles.

He claimed the weapons were supplied by Shuaibu Isiyaka under instructions from Suleiman Isiyaka, whose network allegedly used a private security company as a front to transport illegal firearms between Yobe and Kogi States.

Additionally, Kaumi Alhaji Kadau, 39, from Yobe State, was arrested for operating a workshop producing locally made weapons for kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents.

Authorities recovered rifles, improvised gun parts, tools, and other materials linked to criminal activity.

Kadau admitted supplying weapons to Sulaiman Mallam Uba.

Further arrests included eight suspects in Edo State at Ososo Line 4, BUA International Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA.