In a gripping testimony before Justice N.E. Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, a Department of State Services (DSS) official, Mr. Stephen Okolo, has exposed a sinister network involving Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) officers allegedly selling arms to notorious bandits and kidnappers in Oyo State. The shocking disclosures shed light on the pivotal role these officers played in fueling criminal activities across the region, all facilitated by advanced surveillance technology.
The case centers around three NSCDC officers—Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale, and Asmau Omar—who stand accused of conspiracy alongside Emmanuel Olatunji, an unlicensed arms dealer. These individuals are believed to have supplied weapons to some of the most dangerous criminal syndicates terrorizing the Okeogun region of Oyo State and parts of Kwara.
In his powerful testimony, Okolo revealed how the DSS’s deployment of cutting-edge surveillance equipment allowed authorities to track the suspects’ movements and unearth their criminal dealings. “My lord, the surge in kidnapping and banditry prompted the DSS to enhance our efforts using advanced technical tools,” Okolo explained, adding that these measures were critical in breaking the criminal chain.
Through relentless monitoring, the DSS managed to identify and capture the masterminds behind the chaos. Notably, two of the most feared terrorists, Baguda and Banshile, were apprehended during the operation. The investigation, which began in January 2023, also led to the arrest of Lawan Buhari, an NSCDC official allegedly involved in supplying arms to terrorists. Buhari was reportedly instrumental in smuggling ammunition into the hands of violent criminals.
The case took a dramatic turn when a bag containing 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, recovered from Buhari, was presented as key evidence in court. The seizure of such a large cache of ammunition is believed to have crippled the arms supply network, thereby weakening the ability of terrorists to carry out their operations in the region.
During cross-examination, Lawan Buhari, who had been supplying AK-47 rifles and ammunition to the accused officers in exchange for cash, confessed that he was approached by Okesola, Adewale, and Omar while he was part of Operation Burst, a security outfit. His arrest at the 81 Battalion Barracks in Mokola marked a major breakthrough in the investigation.
The charges against the defendants are severe, with a 15-count amended charge including conspiracy, terrorism, illegal arms dealing, and aiding and abetting terrorism. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the accused individuals have all pleaded not guilty.
The trial, which has captured the attention of many across the country, highlights a growing concern over the infiltration of criminal elements within security agencies. The revelations also underscore the critical role of intelligence and modern technology in tackling the complex issue of arms trafficking and terrorism in Nigeria.
As the trial continues, many are left wondering: How far does this conspiracy reach, and how many more individuals within the security services are complicit in these dark dealings? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the fight against terrorism and arms trafficking in Nigeria has just begun.
PIONEER NEWS 