The Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six suspects over their alleged involvement in a syndicate that specialised in desecrating graves for ritual purposes.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Buhari Saad, the arrests followed credible intelligence that led to a joint operation on September 11, 2025, between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., by officers from the State Command Headquarters and the Gadam Division.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended for desecrating the grave of the late Mallam Manu Wanzam, an 85-year-old resident of Gadam, who was buried on September 9, 2025, at Gadam North Cemetery.

Those arrested are: Adamu Umar, 22;

Umar Jibrin Aboki, 21; Abdullahi Umar Dauda, 17; Muhammed Isa Chindo, 28;

Kawuji Sarki, 39; and Manu Sale, 23

All the suspects are residents of Kwami Local Government Area.

Investigations revealed that Kawuji Sarki contracted Muhammed Isa Chindo, who then sub-contracted the others to exhume the corpse for human parts, specifically the eyes, at an agreed fee of ₦500,000 each. The suspects allegedly exhumed the body, removed the eyes, and reburied the remains.

The NSCDC said all six suspects confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend an accomplice still at large. The corps added that they will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The State Commandant, Jibrin Idris, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and commended the public for their cooperation. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation or via the Command’s emergency lines: 08060737200, 08027370023, 08069135023, 08038392661, and 08069514557.