The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested suspected kidnapping syndicate collaborator and informant operating within the Enugu metropolis and its environs.

The NSCDC seized N2,100, three ATM cards, two phones, a substance suspected to be cannabis, and a pistol hidden.

NSCDC spokesman in Enugu, Danny Manuel, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was arrested on September 30.

Mr Manuel stated that the corps operatives arrested the suspect on routine patrol duty at WTC Estate axis of Enugu at about 2:00 p.m. after students returning from school spotted him using the pistol to rob an unsuspecting member of the public.

The NSCDC identified the suspect as Oguchi Oguamanam, 24, who resides at 7 Monarch Avenue by Timber Junction near the Ugwu-Aji community within the Enugu metropolis.

“On interrogation, the suspect admitted working with a criminal gang based in Lagos. He revealed that the gang usually pay money into his account, which he will withdraw and pay into whatever account they send to him and therein take his own percentage,” said the statement. “He also claimed that some group of boys once robbed him in the same estate and that he prepared the improvised pistol to use it as revenge strategy whenever he sees any of the boys.”

It added, “He said that one of the handsets found on him actually belonged to him, but as to the android phone, he could not explain how he came about it.”

Mr Manuel assured the residents of corps readiness to collaborate with sister security agencies in the state to defend and secure the people at all times.

(NAN)