The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has apprehended 42 suspected bandits and terrorists who were disguised as miners of solid minerals.
The suspects were arrested in Niger State with the assistance of credible intelligence and in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army. Commandant Olusola Odumosu stated that the suspects were intercepted at the forest of Tsaumi Village, bordering Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects may not be miners as they claimed, but rather suspected bandits fleeing from the ongoing military operation in Zamfara State. Further investigations will be carried out to determine their level of involvement in banditry and kidnapping activities. Additionally, the NSCDC also arrested four suspects belonging to a syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of armoured cables in the Federal Capital Territory.