The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nasarawa State Command, said it has arrested 26 suspects for various offences committed between December 28 and January 1.
The Corps Commandant, Muhammad Mahmoud-Fari, told newsmen while parading the suspects yesterday in Lafia, the state capital.
He said they were apprehended for cultism, theft, defilement, breach of trust and assault.
Mahmoud-Fari said seven of them were arrested for theft, four arrested for assault, 13 for cultism, one caught for defilement and another suspect for breach of trust.
He said they were apprehended from various locations in the state.
“Eleven suspected cultists, belonging to a group known as `Assist Group’ were arrested, while two others belong to another group known as “Touch and See’’.
The suspected cultists were arrested at the polytechnic in Lafia.
“After completion of our investigations, the suspects will be charged to court and prosecuted accordingly to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
Mahmoud-Fari said the arrest of the suspects was done in collaboration with the officers of Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES) and members of the public who shared information with the corps.
“That is why I always appeal to the public to assist us.
“We need their understanding and co-operation, because when you fight collectively, you succeed.
“We are not calling civilians to go and fight, but to be our informants,” he added.