The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects in Jigawa State over alleged involvement in cattle rustling, vandalism, and theft of critical assets.
This was disclosed on Thursday during a press briefing at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Dutse, the state capital, where the suspects and recovered items were paraded.
NSCDC Commandant in Jigawa, Bawa Boddinga, said the suspects were apprehended in a recent operation targeting criminal elements across the state. Among those arrested are Adamu Hassan, 40, from Kantamari village in Kaugama Local Government Area, and Hassan Adamu, 31, from Malam-Madori.
Boddinga further revealed that seven other individuals were arrested in connection with the vandalisation of critical infrastructure in Danmanomi village, Gumel LGA. The suspects, aged between 14 and 35, remain unnamed pending the conclusion of investigations.
Recovered items from the suspects include six goats, four sheep, one calf, a motorcycle, a bus, agricultural tools (hoes, diggers, shovels), and dangerous weapons such as bows and arrows.
The Commandant reiterated the NSCDC’s resolve to protect lives and property, urging citizens to collaborate with the agency in promoting peace and security.
He directed divisional officers and area commanders to step up efforts against criminal activities across all parts of the state.
“With the support of other security agencies and community stakeholders, I am confident we can make Jigawa a safer place,” Boddinga stated, while also pledging to intensify the crackdown on drug dealers and cattle rustlers.
He assured the public that the suspects would face legal prosecution, noting that investigations were ongoing to determine each suspect’s level of involvement. He added that the agency is probing possible links between the arrested individuals and other criminal networks in the state.
ADEOLA KUNLE
