Police arrest 21 suspects for robbery, Illegal Mining, Kidnapping attempts in Niger

By Daniel Ebi, Minna.

The Niger State. Police Command has arrested 21 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the state for offences ranging from armed robbery and conspiracy to animal theft, illegal mining, vandalism and attempted kidnapping.

In a statement signed and issued to newsmen, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said four suspects were first arrested on 14 March 2026 in Hayin-Dikko, Gurara LGA, after operatives of Tafa Division acted on intelligence about a gang notorious for terrorising Dikko Junction and snatching mobile phones.

The suspects, Aliyu Hassan (20), Sha’aban Suleiman (18), Muhammed Abba (27) and Jibrin Shettima (29) were caught with a locally fabricated pistol and a cutlass while attempting to carry out a robbery. 

They allegedly confessed to multiple handset snatching and robbery operations around Tafa Bridge, the Zuba–Abuja–Kaduna corridor and Dikko Junction. 

The police are pursuing another gang member, identified as Suleiman Dogo, also known as “Black”, who is still at large.

Similarly, three men were arrested on 16 March at Tungan-Shanu in Maje after police intercepted a Volkswagen Golf vehicle carrying a suspected stolen goat. 

The suspects  Mohammed Ali (37), Shuaibu Ibrahim (37) and Ilyasu Rabiu  confessed to running a syndicate involved in stealing goats, rams and sheep across FCT, Nasarawa and Niger State. They have been charged to court.

In another incident, five suspects were arrested for attacking a cattle dealer in the early hours of 17 March at Nasarawa-Kara, Jebba in Mokwa LGA. The gang, armed with cutlasses and sticks, allegedly beat their victim and stole ₦2.5 million. 

The victim recognised one of the attackers, Beti Musa (20), who led police to the arrest of his accomplices, Kabiru Alh. Adamu (25), Shehu Abubakar (20), Abubakar Ibrahim (26) and Babuga Umar (20). All have reportedly confessed and were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna.

The command also intensified its crackdown on illegal mining at Gurara Waterfalls, where seven suspects were arrested on 22 March for vandalism and unlawful extraction of resources. 

Those arrested include Sahabi Nasiru (30), Sanusi Dahiru (27), Nasiru Hamza (30), Dahiru Umar (25), Jamilu Dahiru (27), Nafiu Dahiru (30)  all from Gwagwalada, Abuja and Mohammed Uzaifa (40) from Lambata. Police recovered water pump machines, carpets, shovels, diggers and other tools.

A similar raid on 17 March had led to the arrest of eight suspects in the same area.

In a separate operation, the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad arrested Abubakar Musa (22) of Gbako for plotting to kidnap four residents of Ladigi for a ₦10 million ransom. 

He was apprehended before the plan could be carried out and is assisting police to capture other fleeing suspects.

Another man, Muhammed Ga’ali (25) of Wushishi, was also arrested for alleged cattle rustling across Wushishi, Zungeru and Rafi areas. 

He reportedly confessed and named other members of his gang who remain at large.

SP Abiodun said investigations are ongoing and efforts to arrest fleeing suspects will be sustained, adding that the command remains committed to tackling criminality across the state.