The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 16 suspects over alleged involvement in various criminal activities.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Afolabi Babawale, disclosed this at a news briefing on Monday in Abuja.

Babawale said that the suspects were arrested over offences ranging from unlawful possession of firearms, fabrication of local firearms, and criminal conspiracy.

Other offences, he said, were printing of counterfeit U.

He said that the successful operations were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), personnel from Kano command and operatives stationed at BUA Cement Company, Etsako East LGA of Edo State.

According to him, a suspect who belonged to a syndicate that disguised as private security guards was arrested in Kano State in possession of six new locally fabricated rifles.

He said that in another operation, a-39 year old male who specialises in the production of locally made weapons and allegedly sells to kidnappers, bandits, insurgents, and other criminals was arrested.

“Exhibits used in the production recovered from him include six improvised gun pipes, three improvised fire selectors, six saw blades, 12 hand files, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, bicycle fenders, pieces of sandpaper, knives, among others.

“He also confessed to selling firearms to a male suspect who is currently in our custody,” he said.

The CG’s SIS Commander, Apollos Dandaura, while giving detailed information, said that one of the suspects was arrested over printing counterfeit U.S. dollar notes and fake 600,000 U.S. dollars.

“He also obtained money by false pretence after issuing fake dollars amounting to 6,200 dollars to a victim at an exchange rate of N1, 452, having earlier obtained N9 million from the victim.

“He has in possession large quantity of substance suspected to be charms, 10 empty chemical containers, travel ticket to Cameroon, chemicals used in counterfeiting, plain sheets and security ID card bearing his name.

“Others are GTBank and Zenith ATM cards and other personal items were in his possession,” Dandaura revealed.

The commander said that other suspects were arrested over various other offences; including, illegal mining activities and suspected kidnap operations.

NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, commended the squad personnel for their display of gallantry and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

Audi, however, expressed concerns over the increasing involvement of young and middle-aged individuals in kidnapping, arms deals, illegal mining, and other acts of economic sabotage.

”Under my leadership, the corps will not treat any act of economic sabotage with kid gloves, as these offences constitute serious threats to national security and stability,” he said.

He directed the CG’s SIS to intensify investigations, identify all sponsors and ensure that suspects at large were apprehended and brought to book.

The NSCDC boss gave assurance that all cases would be prosecuted diligently to serve as deterrent, while also appreciating the public for consistently supporting the corps with information.

He called for stronger collaboration and credible intelligence sharing to rid communities of criminal elements.

The Police Command in Cross River has confirmed the arrest of a member of the Cross River House of Assembly, Ovat Agbor, for alleged wife battering.

The spokesman of the command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, gave the confirmation in Calabar on Monday.

According to Eitokpah, Agbor, who was arrested on Monday morning is with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) undergoing interrogation on the allegation of domestic violence.

The beating had elicited reactions from social media space across the state.

The State House of Assembly had on Thursday suspended the lawmaker over the incident.

In the motion, the assembly condemned the alleged violent behaviour involving Agbor, describing it as conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker and contrary to the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.

After deliberations,the House resolved that Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities.

The assembly also approved the constitution of a committee to investigate the matter and report its findings back to the House for further legislative action.

Meanwhile, Agbor, who represents Obubra I State constituency in the assembly, had on Monday tendered an apology over the domestic violence.

Agbor apology letter was directed at the State Governor, Assembly, his constituents, and Cross River in general.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) Course 1/2026 as part of efforts to reduce civilian casualties and strengthen professionalism in air operations across the country.

The course was inaugurated on Monday at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by the Director of Air Operation, AVM Ayo Bamidele.

In his remarks, Aneke described the course as a milestone in the professional evolution of the NAF.

He said modern air operations were increasingly conducted in complex environments, making careful application of air power critical.

“Civilian harm mitigation is not only a moral and legal responsibility, it is a strategic enabler that strengthens mission legitimacy, public trust, and long-term operational success,” he said.

The CAS added that the AWDC would conduct quarterly CHM courses and introduce a Training-of-Trainers programme later in the year to deepen institutional capacity, urging participants to internalise the principles of civilian harm mitigation in operational planning and execution.

The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the initiative reflected the evolving nature of NAF operations and the service’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives while carrying out its constitutional duties.

According to him, military success today is equally measured by how operations are perceived, how harm is prevented or addressed, and how lessons are institutionalised.

He explained that the CHM initiative was anchored on prevention through better decision-making, institutional learning, and accountability, as well as building public trust through transparency and respect for civilian lives.

“The course translates policy into practical capability by integrating civilian harm considerations into operational planning, intelligence, targeting, and command decisions.

“NAF has also established a Civilian Harm Mitigation Governing Board to provide policy direction and oversight for the programme across the service,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant of AWDC, AVM Garba Jibia, said the centre was the intellectual hub of air power development in the NAF, making it an appropriate platform for the training.

Jibia noted that the complexity of modern security environments, especially in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, required deliberate institutionalisation of civilian harm mitigation principles.

“The Basic CHM Course is designed to deepen understanding, sharpen decision-making, and promote honest reflection on the challenges of operating where civilians and combatants are often intermingled,” he said.

He added that the centre had recently been mandated to conduct both Civilian Harm Mitigation and Air-Ground Integration training for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to enhance joint operations and minimise collateral damage during missions.

“The Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation Course 1/2026 will expose participants to scenario-based learning aimed at improving operational judgement and ensuring air power is applied with precision while safeguarding civilian lives,” he added.