NSCDC arrests 387 suspects for various crimes in Edo

The Edo state Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested no fewer than 387 suspects for various crimes in the last five months.

State Commander of the corps, Mr. Makinde Ayinla, disclosed this in an interview in Benin on Wednesday.

Ayinla explained that of the figure, 39 suspects were arrested for crimes such as alleged adulteration of petroleum products, vandalism, armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, human trafficking and prostitution as well as illicit drug peddling.

He said the other 348 suspects were arrested for violating government’s order and protocols on COVID-19 in the state.

He also disclosed that within the period, five vehicles were recovered from hoodlums, while their victims were rescued unhurt, adding that of the 23 registered private guard companies in the state, 15 have renewed their operational licenses on expiration, while the licenses of five were yet to expire.

He further disclosed that the peace and conflict management unit of the command had within the period resolved 31 cases out of the 38 cases brought before it, while six cases were still under investigation.

The commandant said that N824, 000 was recovered by the anti -fraud unit of the command from suspected fraudsters.

Ondo deputy governor’s exit not threat to APC – Adelami

He also disclosed that the command has 26 cases pending in various courts across the state, explaining that the cases were tied to illegal dealing on petroleum products, vandalism and theft of armoured cables.

Ayinla stated that in line with its core mandate, the corps ensured the protection of national critical assets as well as forestalling herders and farmers’ clashes.

Also, he said that within the period the command carried out sensitisation in markets and other public places on the dangers of COVID-19.