From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage.
In a press release signed by DSC Jerry Victor, the Public Relations Officer of NSCDC’s Nasarawa State Command sent to journalist on Thursday disclosed that its Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad successfully apprehended four suspected railway vandals on August 14th, 2023.
The operation, it said unfolded at approximately 10:30 AM, led to the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of a DAF trailer truck that was transporting substantial quantities of vandalised rail tracks.
“The illicit cargo had been carefully concealed within scrap iron. The interception occurred along the Lafia – Akwanga express road in Sabon Pegi, Shabu Lafia North Development Area of Nasarawa State.”
The NSCDC attributed the success of the operation to credible and reliable intelligence that indicated the presence of the illicit cargo. “Following the receipt of this intelligence, undercover operatives were promptly dispatched, and their activities were closely monitored until the suspects were apprehended.”
Commander of the Special Intelligence Squad, Deputy Commandant Dandaura Apolos, revealed that the arrested syndicate had adopted the guise of scavengers and scrap dealers to perpetrate their nefarious activities.
Apolos emphasised that while the government had invested significantly in developing vital infrastructure for the betterment of citizens, a minority of individuals continued to undermine these efforts through economic sabotage.
Highlighting one of the NSCDC’s core mandates—protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure—Apolos affirmed that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad remained unwavering in its determination to combat economic saboteurs across the country.
“The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the objective of identifying all individuals involved in this act of vandalism. Once the investigation concludes, the suspects will be formally charged and brought before a competent court for prosecution.”