Kwara NSCDC bursts inter-state robbery network, recovers stolen items

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kwara State Command, has intercepted an inter-state robbery syndicate responsible for a series of burglaries and robbery incidents across the state and beyond.

The operation, which was carried out by operatives of the command’s tracking unit, followed numerous complaints from residents and business owners whose homes, shops, and other premises were broken into by criminals who carted away valuable properties.

This was made known in a statement issued to newsmen in Ilorin by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC I Ayoola Michael Shola.

Acting on intelligence and leveraging months of painstaking investigation, surveillance, and inter-state tracking operations, the operatives traced the criminal network across state boundaries.

This led to the arrest of one of its key members, Abdulrasheed Kadri, popularly known as Soldier.

The suspect provided valuable information that led operatives to a warehouse in Ibadan, Oyo State, which is believed to serve as a major storage facility for properties stolen from victims in various parts of the country.

During the operation, a large cache of suspected stolen items was recovered, including a vehicle and other valuables believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.

Preliminary findings revealed a well-coordinated criminal network that operates across state lines, targeting homes, business premises, and other locations before transporting stolen items to designated safe houses for concealment and eventual disposal.

Reacting, the Kwara State Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, described the operation as a major milestone in the command’s determination to dismantle organized criminal networks and ensure the safety of residents.

“This operation sends a clear message that criminals will find no refuge in the state. We will not allow our state to become a sanctuary for criminal elements, a corridor for criminal activities, or a repository for illegal weapons and stolen property,” Commandant Mohammed said.

He added that the command’s resolve remains unshaken, and through intelligence-led operations alongside strategic partnerships with other security agencies, they will continue to identify, pursue, and bring to justice all individuals and groups whose actions threaten public peace and security.

The command noted that the suspect in custody is currently assisting operatives, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.

The command expressed confidence that everyone connected to the criminal ring would be brought to justice, assuring residents that it remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate of protecting lives, property, and critical national assets.

Members of the public were also encouraged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as collective vigilance remains vital to sustaining peace within the state.