By: Bayero Ade
Stephen Okolo, an operative of the State Security Service (SSS), testified before the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Monday, revealing how technology played a crucial role in the arrest of three Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials and an arms dealer accused of involvement in kidnapping and banditry in Oyo State.
According to NAN, Okolo, the first prosecution witness, explained that the rise in kidnapping and banditry in the Okeogun area of Oyo State and parts of Kwara prompted the deployment of SSS technical expertise, including advanced surveillance tools, to track and apprehend the suspects.
He stated, “Through sustained surveillance, we were able to identify and capture individuals linked to these criminal activities. Two notorious terrorists, Baguda and Banshile, were also identified during the operation.”
The operation, which began in January 2023, resulted in the arrest of Lawan Buhari and one NSCDC official believed to be supplying ammunition to the terrorists. The subsequent actions led to the capture of the remaining defendants: Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale, and Asmau Omar.
During his testimony, Okolo presented a bag containing 1,000 rounds of live ammunition seized from Buhari, explaining that the operation successfully disrupted the terrorists’ ammunition supply chain, significantly reducing the kidnapping and banditry activities in the region.
Lawan Buhari, who testified as the second prosecution witness, admitted to being paid to supply AK47 rifles and ammunition to the NSCDC officers, who then supplied them to terrorist groups. Buhari revealed that he had been working with the “Operation Burst” security outfit when the NSCDC officers approached him to begin supplying arms.
The defendants face a 15-count amended charge, including conspiracy, terrorism, arms trafficking, and aiding terrorism. They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice N.E. Maha adjourned the case to February 11 for further trial proceedings.
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