The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 persons over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, vandalism, theft and other related offences.

The NSCDC public relations officer (PRO), Babawale Afolabi, announced this at a news briefing at the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Afolabi stated that the arrest was carried out during a combined operation by the Controller General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGs SIS) and CG Crack Squad within the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining states.

According to him, two of the suspects were arrested with large quantities of vandalised armoured cables, a heavy-duty hacksaw, pulling ropes, water pipes, and other items.

“One of the suspects was arrested at Berger Junction in Abuja with large quantities of vandalised armoured cables and other items.

“Another was arrested for conspiracy, theft, and vandalism of electrical power and communications installations.

“An 18-year-old male was arrested for allied offences involving power and communications infrastructure vandalism,” Mr Afolabi said.

He further disclosed that other suspects were arrested for offences ranging from conspiracy, theft, vandalism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other crimes.

The CG-SIS commandant, Apollos Dandaura, said the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence provided by members of the public.

Mr Dandaura confirmed that some of the suspects were apprehended inside manhole channels in Abuja, while others were intercepted with dangerous weapons.

He further stated that during one of the operations, a suspect was neutralised after he and his cohorts engaged the operatives in a gun duel.

“From the preliminary investigations carried out so far, all suspects have made meaningful confessions and admitted to their various levels of involvement in the crimes.

“They will be charged before a competent court of law to serve as a deterrent to others considering similar acts,” the commandant said.

(NAN)