NSCDC nab 16 suspects in Kano, Edo over fake $600,000, firearms, others

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 16 people for crimes including possession of counterfeit money, unlawful possession of firearms, illegal mining, and suspected kidnapping.

The arrests were made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad working with the NSCDC Kano State Command during separate operations in Kano and Edo states.

According to a statement on Monday by the NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, one suspect, Abbas Garkuwa, was detained for allegedly printing fake United States dollars and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to him, the suspect was apprehended on February 27 at Kwankwasiya City, Zaria Road, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State with fake $600,000, estimated to be worth almost N1bn.

He explained that Garkuwa had earlier issued fake US dollars amounting to $6,200 to a victim at an exchange rate of N1,452 after collecting N9m from the victim.

“Garkuwa is involved in printing counterfeit US dollars and was arrested with fake 600,000 US dollars, an equivalent of almost one billion naira, and also for obtaining money by false pretence after issuing fake United States dollars amounting to $6,200 to a victim at an exchange rate of ₦1,452, having earlier obtained ₦9 million from the victim.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect received ₦5.5 million through his Zenith Bank account. He also orchestrated a fake transfer of ₦8 million through an accomplice, Kabiru Ketti, in order to deceive the victim.

“Garkuwa was, however, arrested on 27 February at Kwankwasiya City, Zaria Road, Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. Abbas Lawan Garkuwa was also arrested with large quantities of a substance suspected to be charms. 10 empty chemical containers, A travel ticket to Cameroon, Chemicals used in counterfeiting, plain sheets, A security ID card bearing his name, GTBank and Zenith ATM cards, Complimentary cards and other personal items.”

Babawale said investigators also linked the suspect to one Usman Muazu of Tanturus in Gombe State, who is currently at large.

In another operation, he said the squad arrested one Sulaiman Uba in Kano with six locally fabricated rifles.

Babawale said the suspect told investigators that he received the weapons from Shuaibu Isiyaka on the instructions of their leader, Suleiman Isiyaka.

“Upon his arrest, Isiyaka Suleiman confessed that the criminal network operated under the guise of a private security outfit, using the cover of guard duties to facilitate illegal activities and movement of arms from Yobe State to the Okene general area of Kogi State.

“He also admitted to deploying members of the syndicate between 2024 and 2025 to support illicit firearms movement and associated criminal operations, ” he said.

Babawale said operatives also arrested Kaumi Alhaji Kadau, 39, from Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, who allegedly operates an arms manufacturing facility. Items recovered from him included improvised gun pipes, fire selectors, saw blades, files, a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and other metal tools used in weapon production.

Meanwhile, Babawale said NSCDC also arrested eight suspects at Ososo Line 4 within the premises of BUA Cement in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, illegal mining and unlawful entry into restricted areas.

He said items recovered from them included machetes, shovels, diggers, and headpans allegedly used for illegal mining activities.

The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the operatives for the arrests and expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young persons in kidnapping, arms trafficking and illegal mining.

Audi said the corps would not treat acts of economic sabotage lightly, describing them as serious threats to national security.

He directed the intelligence squad to intensify investigations, identify sponsors of the crimes and ensure that all suspects at large are apprehended and prosecuted.

The NSCDC has, in recent years intensified intelligence-led operations to combat crimes such as illegal mining, arms trafficking, kidnapping and economic sabotage across the country.

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