The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested five psersons suspected of involvement in illegal firearms possession, gun running, kidnapping, banditry, and job racketeering in Nasarawa State.

The arrest was carried out by the NSCDC Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, according to a statement issued on Thursday, February 6, 2025, by the corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, in Abuja.

“The squad arrested five suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal possession of firearms, gunrunning, kidnapping, banditry, and job racketeering,” the statement read.

Security operatives recovered a cache of weapons, including two automatic rifles with three magazines, one AK-47 rifle with 15 live rounds of ammunition, one FN rifle with two live rounds, nine locally fabricated pistols, one live cartridge, a bayonet; and two sets of uniforms from the Nigerian Forest Security Services.

The arrested suspects were identified as: Umar Ibrahim (35 years old), Nura Abubakar (20 years old), Mohammed Sule (20 years old)

They were apprehended in Ukoso Komva Ward, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, while attempting to deliver the illegal arms to a buyer.

During questioning, the suspects claimed they were deceived into participating in the illegal trade by a man identified as Ali, who is currently on the run.

In a related development, NSCDC operatives also arrested Felix Clerkson (62 years old) in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area for job racketeering.

Authorities recovered over 120 fake NSCDC appointment letters, allegedly used to defraud unsuspecting victims.

“Felix admitted to defrauding desperate job seekers of over ₦26 million. However, ongoing investigations indicate the total amount may be up to ₦55 million, which he shared with accomplices who are currently on the run,” the statement revealed.

Additionally, a volunteer with the Nigerian Forest Security Services in Bauchi State, Lar Changkur, was arrested for suspected involvement in gunrunning.

The NSCDC has assured that all suspects will be charged in court upon completion of investigations and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.