– Commandant General orders full investigation as journalist narrates harrowing ordeal at gunpoint
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a five-man gang allegedly involved in kidnapping, extortion, theft, and criminal conspiracy along the Zaria–Kano highway.
The arrest followed a directive from the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who ordered a full-scale investigation into the gang’s criminal activities that have reportedly endangered travellers in Kaduna and Kano States.
According to a statement by CSC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC Headquarters, Abuja, the operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGSIS) led by Commandant A. S. Dandaura (JP).
Babawale revealed that the suspects were apprehended after an encounter with the squad, following reports of multiple cases of robbery and extortion along the route.
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The gang allegedly attacked one Sani Ahmad, a journalist travelling from Zaria to Kano, flagging him down under the guise of an “emergency danger ahead.” Ahmad said he stopped his vehicle unsuspectingly, only to be ambushed by the criminals.
“After insisting that I stop the car, they invaded my vehicle and took my travelling bag, two iPhone 12 Pro Max phones, a Tecno Camon 40 Pro, and compelled me to transfer ₦300,000 to an Opay account (9026238691, Abdullahi Lawan Garba) after firing a gun to threaten my life,” Ahmad recounted.
The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, Umar Fulani, Aliyu Mohammed, Murtala Salisu, and Imrana Hassan — all of whom have reportedly confessed to participating in the crime.
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Items recovered from them include six mini smartphones, one iPhone 12 Pro Max, one Tecno Camon 40 Pro (stolen from the victim and sold to Imrana Hassan), several ATM cards, wristwatches, rings, bangles, and other personal effects.
Commandant Dandaura assured that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged before a competent court after investigations are concluded.
He also cautioned travellers to remain vigilant, particularly as the festive season draws near, warning that “criminal-minded individuals are on the rampage to extort innocent citizens.”