By Chizoba Ogbeche
Police detectives attached to the Niger state Police Command have arrested an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ASC Idris Saidu, over his involvement in illegal dealings in arms and ammunition.
A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, said the detectives also recovered two AK-47 rifles and a large chunk of ammunition from Saidu, 33, who was arrested on July 22, 2014.
He said: “The suspect, male who hails from Maje Village, Lapai local government area of Niger state and currently serving at NSCDC Headquarters, Minna, was arrested at Fadikpe Area of Chachanga local government of Niger state following a tip-off from a patriotic Nigerian.
The statement said: “In his statement to the Police, ASC Idris Saidu stated that he bought the arms and ammunition as part of his personal contribution to his maternal community who are presently engaged in communal crisis with the Fulani in Taraba state.”
The police spokesperson added that the action of the suspect was clearly intended to fuel communal tension and strife within the state.
He said the suspect, who had given useful information to the police that would lead to the arrest of his accomplices, would be arraigned in court “as soon as investigation into the case is completed.”
