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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Nasarawa State successfully repelled an attempted attack on its state command headquarters in Lafia by suspected bandits in the early hours of yesterday.
The State Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Mr. Jerry Victor, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview yesterday.
Victor disclosed that an unspecified number of gunmen, believed to be bandits, invaded the NSCDC headquarters. “The gunmen, who came in large numbers armed with iron rods, attempted to break some parts of the command’s fence to gain entry into the facility,” he explained. He further stated that some of the attackers positioned themselves around the building. Victor said the operatives of the NSCDC responded swiftly by opening fire on the assailants.
“Their mission was to release some high-profile suspected criminals, including informants of kidnappers, in our custody. The prompt response by the NSCDC operatives thwarted the attackers’ plans. No casualty was recorded during the gun battle between the attackers and our operatives,” he noted.
He added that calm had been restored following the incident, and the security around the command had been heightened to prevent future occurrences.
The NSCDC spokesperson revealed that five notorious suspects were detained by the command for various crimes. Among them were two informants of the kidnappers involved in the abduction and subsequent killing of the 82-year-old father of Mr. Daniel Umaru Lagi, a former state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, after the payment of ransom.
In response to the rising cases of kidnapping in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, local authorities have imposed a restriction on the movement of motorcycles and tricycles. This measure, effective between 8pm and 6am, aims to curb the activities of criminals.
The NSCDC has reassured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” Mr. Victor affirmed.
Residents of Lafia have expressed concerns over the increasing insecurity in the area. Many hope that the recent action by the NSCDC and other security measures will restore peace and safety in the state capital.
