The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State Command has apprehended four suspected burglars for allegedly breaking into a residential apartment in Peace and Joy community axis of Oba Ile in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects identified as: James Emmanuel Reuben (23), student; Monday Reuben (19), student; Japason Joshua (21), farmer; and Lucas Joshua (23), also a farmer, were nabbed last Sunday.

The quadruplets were arrested after the owner of the apartment reported the case of the burglary to the NSCDC while she was away for a church programme.

Daniel Aidemenbor, a spokesman for the NSCDC in Ondo, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a press statement on Wednesday in Akure, alleged that items stolen from the apartment included an Apple iPad, household equipment, clothing and food items.

Aidamenbor also said that following the complaint, NSCDC operatives tracked the SIM card inserted in the stolen iPad, leading to the arrest of four suspects:

He said James Emmanuel, whom he also described as a “soft target,” cooperated with the authorities and provided crucial information that facilitated the arrest of the other three.

“Based on legal advice, he (Emmanuel) has been granted bail,” Mr Aidamenbor added in the copy of the statement.

He explained that further investigations revealed that the suspects had been behind a series of burglary incidents within the community.

According to Aidemenbor, a search of the residence of the suspects yielded various stolen items belonging to the complainant, including food supplies, household equipment, clothing, and the missing iPad.

“The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime,” he said.

The NSCDC command called on the members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing credible and timely information that would support security agencies in flushing out criminal elements from the state.