Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria’s security authorities have uncovered a complex criminal network involving illegal firearms trafficking, counterfeit currency operations, suspected kidnapping activities and unlawful mining, following the arrest of 16 suspects by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The arrests were carried out during intelligence-driven operations in Kano and Edo states by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad in collaboration with other NSCDC units.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from unlawful possession and fabrication of firearms to counterfeiting United States dollar notes, criminal conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, suspected kidnapping and illegal mining.
The operation revealed what security officials described as a multifaceted criminal network operating across several states, with some suspects allegedly linked to arms trafficking, financial fraud schemes and organised criminal groups.
One of the most significant arrests involved a suspect identified as Abbas Lawan Garkuwa, who was reportedly apprehended on February 27 at Kwankwasiya City along Zaria Road in Kano State. Authorities say he was found in possession of counterfeit United States currency amounting to $600,000, estimated to be worth nearly one billion naira.
Investigators allege that the suspect used the fake currency in fraudulent transactions. According to the NSCDC, he had previously issued fake dollars worth $6,200 to a victim at an exchange rate of ₦1,452 after collecting ₦9 million from the individual under the pretence of a legitimate currency deal.
Authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect received ₦5.5 million through a bank account and orchestrated a fake electronic transfer of ₦8 million through an accomplice to deceive the victim further.
During the arrest, operatives reportedly recovered various materials linked to the counterfeiting operation. These included chemical containers, substances suspected to be charms, counterfeit-production chemicals, blank sheets used for printing, ATM cards from multiple banks and travel documents indicating possible international connections.
The NSCDC said investigators are also searching for additional suspects connected to the counterfeit network, including one individual identified as Usman Muazu from Gombe State who remains at large.
Another aspect of the operation uncovered a suspected arms trafficking network operating under the cover of private security work. In Kano, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Sulaiman Uba who was allegedly found with six newly fabricated rifles.
During interrogation, investigators said the suspect revealed that the firearms were supplied by a syndicate operating under the guise of a security company. According to the statement, the group allegedly moved weapons from Yobe State to the Okene area of Kogi State while pretending to provide private security services.
Authorities believe the network supplied firearms to various criminal groups including kidnappers, bandits and insurgents operating in parts of northern Nigeria. The suspect reportedly admitted that members of the syndicate were deployed between 2024 and 2025 to facilitate the movement of illegal weapons for criminal operations.
In a separate operation, NSCDC operatives arrested a 39-year-old suspect identified as Kaumi Alhaji Kadau, who is alleged to operate a small-scale arms manufacturing facility. Security officials recovered equipment used to produce improvised weapons including gun pipes, fire selectors, saw blades, metal files, screwdrivers and other metalworking tools.
Investigators believe the suspect produced locally fabricated firearms that were later sold to criminal groups including kidnappers and bandits. The proliferation of locally manufactured weapons has become a growing concern for security agencies as criminal groups increasingly rely on such weapons to sustain violent operations.
Meanwhile, eight additional suspects were arrested at Ososo Line 4 within the premises of the BUA Cement facility in Okpella, located in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Authorities say the individuals were allegedly involved in illegal mining operations, criminal conspiracy and suspected kidnapping activities.
Security officials recovered several tools believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities, including shovels, diggers, machetes and headpans used for mineral extraction.
Illegal mining has become a significant concern for Nigerian authorities because it deprives the government of revenue and often fuels organised crime. In some areas, illegal mining operations have been linked to armed groups and bandits who use profits from mineral extraction to fund criminal activities.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the operatives involved in the arrests and expressed concern about the growing involvement of young people in crimes such as kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal mining and financial fraud.
He described such activities as serious threats to Nigeria’s national security and economic stability, warning that the agency would not treat acts of economic sabotage lightly.
Audi directed the Special Intelligence Squad to expand the investigation in order to identify sponsors and collaborators connected to the criminal networks. Authorities are also pursuing suspects who remain at large and are believed to be linked to the arms trafficking and counterfeiting operations.
Security analysts say the arrests reflect the increasing use of intelligence-based policing in Nigeria to dismantle organised criminal networks operating across different sectors. Criminal syndicates in the country often combine multiple illegal activities—including arms trafficking, financial fraud and resource exploitation—to sustain their operations.
The NSCDC said the suspects will face prosecution once investigations are completed and that additional arrests could follow as authorities track down other members of the networks involved.
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