NSCDC arrests 112 in Niger, says commandant

The Niger Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said on Thursday that it had arrested 112 suspects for different offences between January and December 2018.

The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Philip Ayuba, told our correspondent in Minna that most of the cases were settled out of court while some were undergoing court processes.

He said that 22 suspects were arrested for alleged armed robbery, 14 for kidnapping, six for rape, 60 for alleged house-breaking and theft, two for cattle rustling and 8 were released for want of evidence.

He explained that the command settled various disputes, including 98 domestic, 15 land cases and four communal.

He attributed the successes recorded by the corps to the support and cooperation from members of the public.

He, therefore, appealed to the public to sustain the relationship and always be security conscious by reporting strange and suspicious activities in their neighbourhood for prompt action.

The NSCDC boss warned politicians and party supporters against thuggery during the forthcoming general elections.

Ayuba explained that the warning became necessary following the commitment of the command to provide a level-playing ground toward ensuring crises-free 2019 polls in the state.

“We will arrest and charge to court any politician or youth caught perpetrating violence during the political campaigns.

“We will not fold our hands and watch any politician or group of youths carry arms before, during and after the elections,” he said.