AGS NEWS – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has apprehended 42 individuals suspected of being bandits and terrorists masquerading as miners en route to Kwali Area Council in the nation’s capital.

Commandant Olusola Odumosu disclosed this during a press conference at the command headquarters on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

He explained that the suspects were intercepted in Niger State on Monday, following credible intelligence and collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals, purportedly miners of solid minerals, might actually be fleeing bandits from Zamfara State.

AGS NEWS reports that they were suspected to be traversing through the forest area of Niger State into the FCT via Gwagwalada Area Council towards Pai village in Kwali Area Council.

Further scrutiny during interrogation raised doubts about their claims, as they couldn’t provide details about their mining site or the company they worked for.

Odumosu emphasized that this interception was part of efforts to meet the security ultimatum set by the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike.

The suspects, who confessed to having sponsors, are cooperating with the NSCDC, providing valuable information regarding their involvement in criminal activities.

Odumosu assured that once investigations are completed, appropriate actions will be taken.

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The NSCDC, in collaboration with the Department of State Security Services (DSS), arrested Bartholomew Anthony and three other accomplices in the Mabushi axis of the FCT. They were apprehended for vandalizing and stealing armored cables.

The suspects, allegedly part of a vigilante group, will be arraigned in court.