Kwara state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Thursday paraded two suspected bandits arrested near gold mining site in the state.
The command also recovered dangerous arms in their possession.
Speaking with journalists during the parade, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, Olasunkanmi Ayeni, said the suspects were arrested at a location close to gold mining site at Agbede village in Moro local government area of Kwara state with locally-made pistol and riffle, among other dangerous weapons.
The Corps’ PRO, who identified the suspects as Abdulahi Alhaji, 19, and 39 years old John Ihenka, said the suspects were capable of using the arms in their possession to perpetuate different kinds of crime in the society.
“We are all aware of the security situation and banditry around us. This command has been working so much not to allow this bandits to infiltrate our state. The Corps Tactical Unit (CTU) of our command was able to apprehend these two suspects, namely Abdullahi Alhaji, 19 years old from Kaduna state and John Ihenka, 39 years old.
“Alhaji was trying to get cartridge for the local pistol he said he had bought for N8,000 and fortunately for Nigerians he asked question from the wrong person. From this process, we were able to trail him, leading to his arrest.
“It was the the arrest of Alhaji that led to that of John, who he said sold the local pistol to him. On getting to John’s place, the officers in intelligence unit were able to get this riffle from him and other dangerous weapons.
“We know that no one has the right to own local pistol or local riffle. The highest is the one which is licensed from Nigeria Police. Keeping this with them, one should understand what they may be using it for.
“We implore members of the public to always furnish us with useful and timely information so that we can all live in peace and secured environment.
Speaking with journalists in an interview, the suspect, Abdullahi Alhaji, said he bought the gun to defend himself in his cattle business.
Ihenka, who confirmed that he sold the locally made pistol to Alhaji said he is a security guard in a gold mining company.
“They already know that I’m using it (gun) in the company and they said this gun is not good for security I should go and drop it. I then dropped it. I had a leg pain problem. I sold the local pistol to treat myself. I took permission from the company that I’m going to plant in my farm. I bought chemical for the farm from where I was called and asked if I was the one who sold the local pistol to the suspect and I said yes. The company know that I have the gun. I’m not a kidnapper. I’m a security man in gold mining company. The reason why the suspect said I should sell the pistol to him is because he has cow and he is sleeping in the bush. That is why I sold it to him. I made a mistake for selling the gun to him. I don’t have more guns to sell,” he confessed.
