The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sokoto State Command, has arrested a suspected serial rapist who specialized in abusing minors in the state.

The suspect, 30-year-old Hamza Yusuf, was said to have violated 10 minors but only three were so far identified.

Addressing newsmen, the state Commandant, Umar Musa Bala, said all his victims were below 10 years old.

He said that the suspect was rescued at the point of being lynched by a mob.

“We received a distress call that a serial rapist was arrested and being lynched in Mabera area, and we swiftly swung into action.

“We rescued him from mobs who wanted to kill him and brought him to our office.

“We were able to identify three of his victims who are all below the age of 10 and medical investigation proved penetration beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said.

Bala added that the suspect would be released on bail because of the ongoing strike by judicial workers, adding that stringent conditions would be attached to his bail.

“He must produce a surety that is well recognized in the society. Who will bring him to us on request,” he said.

He called on parents to be alive to their responsibility now that raping was becoming rampant the society.

On the forthcoming Sallah celebration, Umar said the command would deploy 700 personnel, especially to flashy areas.

He called on the general public to report any suspicious movement in their areas to security agencies closer to them.

The suspect, however, attributed his action to the devil’s work and promised not to go back to it again.