The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 42 sheep in separate operations aimed at combating crime and criminality across the state.
According to a release issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were arrested on February 24, 2026, following credible intelligence that they were sighted with suspected rustled animals around Raba Forest via Mokwa.
Police operatives attached to the Crack Squad swiftly mobilised and trailed the suspects along the Jebba–Mokwa Road, leading to the arrest of Abubakar Musa, 23, of Maito village via Lemu; Muhammed Ibeto, 20; Bello Saidu, 20; and Abubakar Alhaji Shehu, 20, both of Kara via Jebba. Other members of the syndicate reportedly fled into the forest during the operation.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to rustling the sheep from Salihu village via Mokwa and provided information on other members of the gang currently at large. The police confirmed that the 42 recovered sheep have been identified and handed over to their rightful owner, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a related development, the Command disclosed that on February 23, 2026, at about 10 p.m., the Crack Squad intercepted a Ford vehicle with registration number MNA 909 LD at the City Gate area of Minna. The vehicle was reportedly loaded with ten bags of zircon monazite suspected to have been stolen from an industrial company along Bida Road.
The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and escaped upon sighting the operatives. Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Command also confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the theft of a motorcycle and an attempted homicide in Bida.
The incident occurred on February 19, 2026, when two passengers, identified as Ibrahim Ahmed Musa and Ndagi Mohammed Jibril, allegedly attacked a motorcycle rider near Ndayako Primary School after boarding the bike from the Cool Spot area of Bida. One of the suspects reportedly struck the rider on the head with a pestle in an attempt to steal the motorcycle.
The victim raised an alarm, attracted residents who pursued the suspects. Ibrahim Ahmed Musa was arrested with the motorcycle, while his accomplice escaped. The suspect is currently in custody at ‘A’ Division, Bida, as investigations continue and efforts intensify to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.
The police reiterated their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities across Niger State.
