Etim Effiong
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Edo State, has in the last 10 weeks, arrested about 38 suspects for various crimes.
The Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr George Edem, who was speaking on the achievement of the command during the period under review, stated this at a news conference in Benin on Friday.
According to Edem, the suspects were arrested for various crimes, ranging from illegal mining, vandalisation of critical national assets, farmers/herders’ conflict to armed robbery.
He also noted that the command, during the period under review, also resolved more than 50 cases between farmers and herders across the state.
Edem added that the command trained 40 personnel as mediators and conflict resolution experts, to mediate and reconcile farmers and herders in the state.
He said the Agro Rangers unit of the corps had also put much effort in ensuring that farmers return to their farms.
He said: “The command has also deployed officers and men of the corps to designated schools in the state to curtail the spate of attacks and kidnapping of students.
“We are also working out modalities to sensitise students on their personal safety and security.
“We are saddened by the abduction of students in some part of the country by suspected bandits.
“The NSCDC will continue to play its role to ensure that there is peace in the state and the nation at large.”
Edem said the need for civil society groups, traditional rulers, as well as religious leaders and security institutions to assist the corps with intelligence reports regarding movement of strangers within their domains.
He explained that intelligence sharing remained key in neutralising the activities of bandits and other criminal elements, within the state.
Edem said: “The Crisis Management unit has carried out rescue operations and controlled volatile situations.” The commandant, however, enjoined Edo citizens be law abiding, saying that the corps remained committed to discharging its duty with utmost integrity.