A Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Mr. Stephen Okolo, has revealed how advanced technology facilitated the arrest of three Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials and an unlicensed arms dealer allegedly involved in kidnapping and banditry across Oyo and Kwara states.
Okolo testified before Justice N.E. Maha at the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Monday as the prosecution’s first witness in the ongoing trial. The accused include NSCDC officers Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale, and Asmau Omar, alongside Emmanuel Olatunji, an alleged unlicensed arms dealer.
Deployment of Technology in Combatting Crime
Detailing the operation, Okolo stated, “Following an alarming rise in cases of kidnapping and banditry in the Okeogun area of Oyo State and neighboring parts of Kwara, the DSS leveraged its technical expertise and equipment to tackle the issue.”
He further explained how sustained surveillance efforts allowed the DSS to identify and apprehend key suspects. “During the operation, we uncovered the activities of two notorious kingpins, Baguda and Banshile, who were deeply entrenched in terrorist operations in the region,” Okolo said.
The DSS’s efforts culminated in the arrest of Lawan Buhari, allegedly a critical link in supplying ammunition to terrorists. His apprehension led to the capture of the three NSCDC officers and Olatunji, who are believed to have played significant roles in the criminal network.
Evidence Presented in Court
As part of his testimony, Okolo presented a bag containing 1,000 rounds of live ammunition recovered during the operation. He emphasized that the crackdown effectively disrupted the arms supply chain to terrorists, which significantly curtailed kidnapping and banditry activities in the affected areas.
Collaborator’s Testimony
In his testimony, Lawan Buhari, the second prosecution witness, admitted to supplying AK-47 rifles and ammunition to the defendants. “Before my arrest and detention at the 81 Battalion barracks in Mokola, I was part of the Operation Burst security outfit. The three NSCDC officers approached me, requesting arms supply to support their terror activities,” Buhari confessed.
He also disclosed that he had been paid substantial amounts of money for facilitating the illegal arms trade, further implicating the defendants in the ongoing investigation.
Charges and Pleas
The DSS prosecution counsel, Mr. T.A. Nurudeen, revealed that the accused are facing a 15-count amended charge. The charges include conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful arms dealing, and aiding and abetting terrorism.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Maha has adjourned the case to February 11, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
Call for Vigilance and Justice
The DSS urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of accountability within security agencies and the need for continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety.
