The Edo State  Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly receiving and dealing in suspected stolen items.

The command’s spokesperson, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Benin City.

Mr Ogbebor said the arrest followed credible intelligence received by the command on June 5 indicating that some individuals were engaged in the purchase and sale of suspected stolen materials within the state capital.

He said that on receipt of the intel, operatives of the tracking unit under the Intelligence and Investigation Department immediately launched intelligence-driven operations.

According to him, this led to the arrest of the suspect at Obakawaye Street in the state capital.

“The suspect also indulges in scavenging activities. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly purchased aluminium windows from unidentified persons. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted obtaining such items from unknown individuals,” he said. 

The spokesperson also said that further investigation showed that the suspect allegedly purchased electric copper wire for N30,000, part of which had reportedly been burnt for further processing.

Mr Ogbebor further said that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly connected with the case who were still at large.

He added that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts at tackling crime in the state.

He quoted the State Commandant of the corps,  Saidi Akintayo, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities across Edo State. 

“The NSCDC Edo command remains determined to ensure that criminals and those supporting criminal activities have no hiding place in the state.

“We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and operational measures to flush out criminal elements and maintain law and order across the state,” he said.

(NAN)