By Jamiu Yusuf
ABUJA: The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has foiled a kidnap attempt in Lafia, Nasarawa State, neutralising two suspected kidnappers, arresting two others, and recovering arms and ammunition in the process.
According to a statement signed by CSC Afolabi Babawale, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, the operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) following a directive from the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, after receiving intelligence on incessant abductions in the area.
The botched kidnap occurred at the Bukan-Ari area along Kurikyo Road in Lafia, where a Nigerian Customs officer, his wife, and another person were targeted.
Speaking on the operation, the Commander of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, disclosed: “In a 5-hour intelligence-based coordinated operation, my men alongside the Nasarawa State Commandant foiled a kidnap attempt on two residents of the Bukan-Ari area along Kurikyo Road in Lafia metropolis.”
He added that the kidnappers were subdued after a fierce gun battle. “The CG’s Special Intelligence Squad engaged the kidnappers and subdued them due to superior and intense firing power, which resulted in the arrest of two kidnappers. Two were neutralised while one escaped with severe gunshot injuries and made away with an AK-47 rifle,” he said.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 assault rifle, one magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five mobile phones, two knives, charms, and ₦7,500 cash.
The arrested suspects were identified as Hassan Ibrahim (23), from Azare Local Government in Bauchi State, and Ibrahim Hudu (30), a Fulani man. The two who were killed during the exchange of fire were identified as Mata (a driver) and Yahaya Abubakar.
Commandant Dandaura further revealed that the arrested suspects are already cooperating with investigators and have confessed to previous kidnappings. “Efforts are on top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the syndicate,” he noted.
He reiterated the NSCDC’s resolve to protect citizens, saying: “The Commandant General of the NSCDC has zero tolerance for all acts of economic sabotage, vandalism, and threats against lives and property. We are committed to fighting head-on any group or syndicate terrorizing the peace of innocent citizens.”
The Corps also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods to security agencies.
