The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced the arrest of 85 suspects between January and March 2024.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Willie Elijah disclosed this on Wednesday in Abakaliki during a press briefing on his tenure since assuming office on January 8, 2024.
He mentioned that 65 cases were reported to the command, resulting in six convictions during the period.
This development marked the first 100 days in office of the State Commandant.
“The other cases are in various stages of prosecution at the courts as one kidnaped victim was rescued within the period,” he said.
The commandant elaborated that his personnel patrolled schools across Ebonyi as part of their safe school program, often in plain clothes.
“This task is mainly executed by our female squad trained specially to protect the lives of our pupils, students and teachers including school properties.
“The command has established a creche, nursery and primary school which hopefully will be operational by September,” he said.
He also stated that the command had established crack squads and revitalized its rapid response squads to enhance overall security in the state.
“I have visited sister security agencies in Ebonyi and we have one unflinching objective of securing lives and properties in the state.
“I have deployed my experience in achieving this goal having been posted to Ebonyi from Niger, a volatile area.
“I thank Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his immense support to the command in meeting our mandate of security of lives and public properties,” he said.
Elijah appealed for continued support from the public to ensure the successful implementation of the corps’ activities in the state.
“People should see us as friends and not run on sighting or questioned by our personnel.
“Every apprehended person is not guilty except when convincted as we are in the state to make the populace safe,” he said.
