Troops of Sector 2 under Operation Hadin Kai have disrupted an attempt to smuggle stolen railway components in Yobe State, arresting eight individuals, including five operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The successful operation, conducted on July 8 around 4:00 p.m. in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area, followed actionable intelligence regarding the movement of dismantled railway sleepers.
The suspects were apprehended as a truck carrying the vandalised iron materials made its way towards Damaturu. A Hilux vehicle bearing the registration number NSCDC CD 234 A, allegedly assigned to provide escort for the illicit cargo, was also seized.
Initial investigations traced the source of the vandalised railway parts to the Kukuwa area, also within Gujba LGA. According to findings, the NSCDC officers were reportedly enlisted by the perpetrators to facilitate the transport in return for cash incentives.
A total of ₦128,500, suspected to be part of the payment for the escort service, was recovered from one of the NSCDC personnel. The cash was allegedly hidden in his clothing.
All eight suspects, along with the seized items, have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further inquiry. An anti-bomb unit has also been tasked with inspecting the recovered materials to prevent any potential hazards.
Military and security authorities have vowed that those implicated in the crime will face justice as investigations continue.
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