The police have arrested Idris Saidu, an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State over alleged involvement in illegal arms deal.

A statement by the Force spokesman, ACP Frank Mba, yesterday in Abuja, said Saidu was arrested on July 22 by detectives in the state.

The statement said the detectives recovered two AK-47 rifles and a large chunk of ammunition from the suspect.

It said the 33-year-old suspect, who was attached to NSCDC headquarters in Minna, was arrested at Fadikpe in Chachanga Local Government Area of the state following a tip-off.

According to the statement, Saidu confessed that he bought the arms and ammunition as his contribution to assisting his maternal community engaged in communal crisis with herdsmen in Taraba State.

According to the statement: “The suspect, who has given useful information to the police that will lead to the arrest of his accomplices, will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation into the case is completed.

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, while commending member of the public for giving the information that led to the arrest of the suspect, enjoined other citizens to emulate this patriotic act and support the security forces with credible information in their effort to make Nigeria safer for all.”