Civil Defence officer arrested for illegal arms dealings

The Nigeria police force on Sunday announced the arrest of an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ASC Idris Saidu, for alleged involvement in illegal dealings of arms and ammunition.

According to police spokesman, Frank Mba,  detectives attached to the Niger state police command arrested the suspect on Tuesday, July 22, recovering from him two AK-47 rifles and a large chunk of ammunition.

“The suspect, male and 33 years of age who hails from Maje village, Lapai local government area of Niger state and currently serving at NSCDC Headquarters, Minna, was arrested at Fadikpe Area of Chachanga local government of Niger state, following a tip-off from a patriotic Nigerian,” he said.

Mba disclosed that Saidu has already confessed to buying the arms and ammunition as part of his personal contribution to his maternal community, who are presently engaged in communal crisis with the Fulani in Taraba State – an action clearly intended to fuel communal tension and strife within the state.

“The suspect, who has given useful information to the police that will lead to the arrest of his accomplices, will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation into the case is completed.”

Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar commended the member of the public whose information led to the arrest of the suspect.

He enjoined other citizens to “emulate this patriotic act and support the security forces with credible information in their effort at making Nigeria safer for all”.