From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Kwara State, has dismantled an inter-state robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a series of burglary and robbery operations across the state and other parts of the country, leading to the recovery of a truckload of suspected stolen items.
The breakthrough followed months of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking operations by the Command’s Tracking Unit after receiving several complaints from residents and business owners whose homes and shops had been burgled and valuables stolen.
Investigations led operatives to the arrest of a suspected key member of the syndicate, Abdulrasheed Kadri, popularly known as “Soldier,” whose arrest reportedly exposed the activities of the criminal network.
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According to the NSCDC, information provided by the suspect enabled investigators to trace a warehouse in Ibadan, Oyo State, believed to have been used as a storage facility for items stolen from victims in different parts of the country.
During the operation, security operatives recovered a large quantity of suspected stolen property, including a vehicle and other valuables believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. The recovered exhibits have been secured while documentation and identification processes continue.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate operated across state boundaries, targeting homes and business premises before moving stolen items to designated locations for concealment and eventual sale.
Speaking on the development, the Kwara State Commandant of NSCDC, Abbas Mohammed, described the operation as a major success in the agency’s efforts to combat organised crime and strengthen security within the state.
“This operation sends a clear message that criminals will find no refuge in Kwara 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,” he said.
The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ commitment to intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies to tackle criminal activities.
“Our resolve remains unshaken. Through intelligence-led operations and strategic partnerships with other security agencies, we will continue to identify, pursue and bring to justice all individuals and groups whose actions threaten public peace and security,” Mohammed added.
The NSCDC disclosed that while one suspect is currently in custody assisting with investigations, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
The Command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in sustaining peace and security across the state.
