The Niger State Police Command has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, with the arrest of several suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal mining, and theft across different parts of the state.
In a statement issued on March 25, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that four suspects were arrested on March 14 at about 12:30 p.m. in the Hayin-Dikko Gurara area following credible intelligence on criminal activities around Dikko junction. The suspects—Aliyu Hassan (20), Sha’aban Suleiman (18), Muhammed Abba (27), and Jibrin Shettima (29) were apprehended with a locally fabricated pistol and a cutlass while attempting to carry out a robbery operation.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to engaging in robbery and phone snatching along Tafa Bridge, the Zuba–Abuja–Kaduna expressway, and Dikko junction. They also identified an accomplice, Suleiman Dogo, also known as “Black,” who remained at large.
In a separate operation on March 16, police operatives attached to Maje Division intercepted three suspects—Mohammed Ali (37), Shuaibu Ibrahim (37), and Ilyasu Rabiu at Tungan-Shanu area with a stolen goat. The suspects confessed to stealing livestock and revealed their involvement in a syndicate specialising in stealing goats, rams, and sheep across the FCT, Nasarawa, and Niger State. They have since been charged to court.
Similarly, five suspects were arrested in connection with an armed robbery incident in Jebba. The gang allegedly attacked a cattle trader in Nasarawa-Kara area of Mokwa LGA in the early hours of March 17, assaulted him and dispossessed him of ₦2.5 million. One of the suspects, identified as Beti Musa (20), was recognised by the victim, leading to the arrest of other accomplices: Kabiru Adamu (25), Shehu Abubakar (20), Abubakar Ibrahim (26), and Babuga Umar (20). All suspects reportedly confessed and have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation.
The Command also intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities at the Gurara Waterfalls, where seven suspects were arrested on March 22 during a raid by operatives of Gawu-Babangida Division. Items recovered included water pump engines, shovels, diggers, pipes, carpets, and head pans. Police noted that a similar operation conducted earlier on March 17 led to the arrest of eight additional suspects, as efforts continue to curb environmental vandalism and illegal exploitation of natural resources.
In another development, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID STS) arrested two suspects linked to an attempted kidnapping and cattle rustling. Abubakar Musa (22) was intercepted while allegedly planning to kidnap four individuals in Ladigi for a ₦10 million ransom. He reportedly confessed and named accomplices still at large.
Similarly, Muhammed Ga’ali (25) was arrested over alleged cattle rustling activities in Wushishi, Zungeru, and Rafi areas. He also provided information on other members of his gang, prompting ongoing efforts by police to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The Niger State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements and urged residents to continue providing useful information to support ongoing security efforts.
