The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recovered $15,400 fake notes following the arrest of two members of a counterfeit dollars syndicate in the Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.

According to a report by NSCDC spokesperson Olusola Odumosu, on Monday in Abuja, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) made the arrest.

Mr Odumosu said the arrest was made after a credible intelligence gathering on the operations of the illegal bureau de change operators.

He identified the suspects as Ya’u Muhammed, 65, and Lamido Usman, 29.

“Two members of the syndicate arrested were found in possession of a total of 15,400 fake U.S. dollars.

“Other items recovered from the suspects include one First Bank ATM card, one screwdriver and an original $100 dollar note,” he said.

The DPR said intelligence reports showed that the syndicate had operated for 10 years under a bridge beside Heart Plaza in the Mararaba area of Karu before the arrest by operatives of the NSCDC.

“The report also revealed that many Nigerians had been swindled and defrauded of millions of Naira under the guise of black market operations.

“In exchanging Naira to U.S. Dollars, they have issued fake dollar notes to unsuspecting victims,” he said.

He, however, said the two syndicate members were arrested after falling victim to a fake transaction strategically carried out by the operatives.

“The suspects were smoked out of their hideout and subsequently arrested using the sum of N250,000 to disguise, in exchange for U.S. dollars,” Mr Odumosu said.

He said the suspects were currently undergoing preliminary investigation, and would be handed over, together with the exhibits, to NSCDC Nasarawa Command for further action. 

(NAN)