In a significant breakthrough, Mr. Stephen Okolo, an official of the Department of State Services (DSS), revealed during a court session how advanced technology led to the arrest of three Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) officers accused of supplying arms to bandits and kidnappers.
Testifying before Justice N.E. Maha at the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Monday, Okolo explained the use of sophisticated surveillance tools in the apprehension of the suspects. “My lord, following the increase in the cases of kidnapping and banditry in Okeogun area of Oyo State and parts of Kwara, the DSS fashioned out how to address the issue by deploying our technical expertise, that is equipment,” he stated.
The NSCDC officials, Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale, and Asmau Omar, along with an alleged arms dealer, Emmanuel Olatunji, are facing charges. They are accused of involvement in criminal activities including conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful arms dealing, and aiding and abetting terrorism. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Okolo’s testimony detailed how the DSS identified and arrested key figures, including two notorious kingpins, Baguda and Banshile, who were among the most dangerous terrorists in the region. The operation, which commenced in January 2023, also led to the arrest of Lawan Buhari, another NSCDC official, who was caught supplying ammunition to terrorists.
Evidence presented in court included a bag containing 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, seized from Buhari. According to Okolo, these arrests have significantly disrupted the supply chain of arms to terrorists, thereby reducing incidents of kidnapping and banditry in the area.
During his testimony, Buhari admitted to supplying AK-47 rifles and ammunition to the defendants in exchange for cash, claiming he was approached while serving with Operation Burst, before his eventual arrest and detention.
The prosecution, led by Mr. T.A. Nurudeen, emphasized the severity of the charges, highlighting the impact of the defendants’ actions on regional security. The trial continues as the court seeks to bring justice to those affected by these criminal activities.