The Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers that have been terrorising four local government areas in the state. The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Babangida Dutsinma, made the disclosure to journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday.

He said three of the suspected kidnappers were arrested on Friday, while others were apprehended during the weekend as a result of the swift intervention of the officers of the command.

Dutsinma said the suspected kidnappers had written letters to six well-to-do men in Gidan Walo village in Tureta Local Government Area of the state demanding N12 million payment.

He explained that the kidnappers also threatened to kidnap the head of the respective families if they failed to remit the money.

According to him, the frightened families had already gathered and given N2 million to the kidnappers before the command got the information.

“The NSCDC acted promptly in collaboration with local vigilante members and arrested the suspects through intelligence.

“In fact, all the suspects have confessed to the crime along with other crimes perpetrated in various communities in Isa, Sabon-birni, Tureta, Raba Local Government Areas and neighbouring towns in Zamfara Dtate,” he said.

He disclosed that seven locally made guns, charms and other weapons were recovered from the hoodlums.