By Palma Ileye

Operatives of the FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested 42 suspected bandits in a forest at Gwagwalada area of the territory.

The FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said this while briefing newsmen yesterday at the Command’s Headquarter in Abuja.

Odumosu said that four other persons were arrested for vandalizing public property and being in possession of stolen armored cables.

He said that acting on credible intelligence report, the 42 male suspects were intercepted alongside the Nigerian Army while on transit from Zamfara State.

“Because of their number, my men had to seek the intervention of the Army to aid in the successful arrest of the suspects.

“We suspect they are fleeing the on-going onslaught of the military operation in Zamfara State as they all claimed to have migrated from the state,” he said.

He said that upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to be miners and on their way to a mining site.

“In the course of interrogation, they were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they alleged to be working for.

“At the time of interception, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities which suggested they had a sinister motive.

“They were in possession of their personal belongings and some other weapon,” he said.

The Commandant however said that the suspected bandits were cooperating with the Corps by disseminating useful information that will help determine their level of involvement in the crime.

“They have also confessed to having sponsors, however investigation in that regard is still on-going and you will be intimated when it is concluded,” Odumosu said.

Odumosu added that one 27 year old, Bartholomew Anthony, was arrested at Mabushi area of the FCT in possession of stolen amoured cables, one hacksaw, jack knife, telephone and N20,000 cash.

He said that the suspect gave useful statement that led to the arrest of his other three accomplices.

“The suspects through our discreet investigation belong to a vigilante group and hence use their purported membership of the private security outfit to commit heinous acts,” he said.

He said that further investigation will be carried out on the suspects and those found culpable will be charged to court.

The Command Head urged residents that the Corps will not relent in carrying out its mandate until the FCT was rid of all criminal elements that might make the FCT unsafe.

He appealed to the public to report all suspicious persons and promised to keep the details of informants discreet as security is everyone’s business.