NSCDC foils k!dnap attempt on customs officer in Lafia, k!lls 2 suspects, arrests 2 others
NSCDC foils kidnap attempt on customs officer in Lafia, kills 2 suspects, arrests 2 others
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have foiled a kidnap attempt on a Customs officer and his wife in Lafia, Nasarawa State, killing two suspects and arresting two others during a gun battle.
The operation, which took place in the Bukan-Ari area along Kurikyo Road in Lafia metropolis, 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, mni, OFR, to dismantle criminal networks terrorizing residents of the state.
According to a statement by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the squad engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun duel after credible intelligence revealed plans by the gang to abduct an officer of the Nigerian Customs Service, his wife, and another victim.
Speaking on the operation, the Head of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, JP, said the mission was the result of a five-hour intelligence-based, coordinated operation in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Command.
“The Commandant General has zero tolerance for all acts of economic sabotage, vandalism, and threats against the lives and property of Nigerians. We are committed to confronting any group or syndicate terrorizing innocent citizens,” Dandaura said.
He explained that the kidnappers were subdued by the superior firepower of the NSCDC operatives, leading to the arrest of two suspects while two others were neutralized. One of the assailants reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, fleeing with an AK-47 rifle.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two knives, ₦7,500 cash, and substances suspected to be charms.
The arrested suspects were identified as Hassan Ibrahim (23), from Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi State, and Ibrahim Hudu (30), a Fulani man. Those killed during the encounter were identified as Mata (the driver) and Yahaya Abubakar.
Dandaura said the arrested suspects are cooperating with investigators and have confessed to their roles in previous kidnapping operations in Lafia and other parts of Nasarawa State. He added that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and other members of the syndicate.
The Commandant General reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country and called on residents to report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest security agency.
“The NSCDC will not relent in its efforts to protect Nigerians and ensure peace in Nasarawa State and across the federation,” Dandaura assured.
