NSCDC arrest 12 suspected kidnapers, recover guns in Sokoto

From Raji Bello Sokoto

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto State has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers believed to be terrorising four local government areas of the state.
The State Commandant, Babangida Dutsinma while parading the suspects on Tuesday said that three of gang members were arrested on Friday and others followed during the weekend as a result of investigations.
He named the suspect as Malam Sharu-Tureta, Bello Harande, Dandare Maiwanki, Abubakar Mairuwa, Muhammad Bello and Lawalli Oro-Dusudu.
Others were DanAli Kura-Bela, DanShehu Jankwakware, Umaru Dudun-Ladan, Buban Majo, Buban Sarkin Fulani and Farida Sarkin Fulani.
Dutsinma said the gang forwarded a letter to six wealth to do families in Gidan Walo village in Tureta local government areas demanding N12 million payment or to kidnap head of families if they failed to remit the money.
He said the frightened families had already gathered N2 million and gave to kidnappers contact person before the official got the information.
He explained that NSCDC acted promptly in collaboration with local vigilante members and apprehend the suspects through intelligent surveillance.
The commandant explained that all the suspects have confessed to the crime along with others perpetrated at various communities in Isa, Sabon-birni, Tureta, Raba local government areas and neighbouring towns in Zamfara state.
He added seven locally made guns, local charms along with some others local weapons have been recovered from the gang noting that investigation is on because such gang usually hide modern guns in some special areas.
Dutsinma also said the effort was part of achievements of ‘Operation Harmony’ which is jointly conducted by officials of Department of Security Services, Police, NSCDC and Nigerian Army in Sokoto state.
He, however, commended the support of Governor Aminu Tambuwal, District Head of Tsamiya, retired Justice Ladan Tsamiya, members of local vigilante groups and communities in Sokoto on fighting the crimes.
The Commandant further disclosed that vast number rustled cattle were returned to right owners and ensure maximum reduction of cases of cattle rustling, armed robbery and kidnappings through operation harmony efforts.