The Niger State Police Command has arrested eighteen suspects for various offences, including thuggery, theft, cybercrime, and phone snatching, in a series of coordinated operations across different parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrests were made through intensified intelligence-led patrols and raids aimed at curbing social vices and criminal activities in Minna and other communities.
According to Abiodun, police operatives attached to ‘A’ and ‘B’ Divisions in Minna conducted simultaneous raids at blackspots in Tudun-Natsira, Baida, Angwan-Kaje, PZ Area, Sabon-Gari, Abdulsalam Quarters, and the Gwari Market axis on October 18, 2025. During the operation, five suspects were apprehended for alleged thuggery and possession of dangerous weapons and suspected cannabis. Items recovered included wraps of cannabis, a sword, a machete, and a pair of scissors. The suspects, he said, are being investigated and will be charged to court.
The PPRO also confirmed the arrest of nine individuals linked to a case of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, and receiving stolen property reported from the Bosso Low-Cost area. Following a diligent investigation, the suspects were found to have burgled a residence and carted away steel doors, burglary proofs, windows, borehole cables, and bags of cement. Some of the stolen items were recovered, while all the suspects have been charged to court.
In another operation, police operatives from GRA Division responded swiftly to a distress call from Kure Market on October 12, leading to the arrest of three suspects notorious for phone snatching in the area. The suspects, who operated with an unregistered tricycle, were identified by victims as members of a gang responsible for several thefts within the market vicinity. They are currently in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
Also, on the same day, a 63-year-old man, identified as Mohammed Sani, was arrested by a joint patrol team of the Police and vigilante members in Kontagora for allegedly stealing a Bajaj motorcycle. He was intercepted while attempting to escape with the bike and was found with a bunch of keys used to steal motorcycles. The suspect has since confessed and been arraigned in court.
Abiodun further disclosed that a white Golf car with registration number RSH 442 FD, reported stolen from Hayin-Kaduna on October 16, was recovered abandoned along Kaduna Road after a prompt search by Maje Division patrol teams. The owner has since identified the vehicle, while investigation continue to trace the culprit.
In a related development, operatives attached to Maje Division also apprehended an 18-year-old suspect, Victor Ugwu, for cybercrime and obtaining money by false pretence. The suspect was caught impersonating a woman online to defraud unsuspecting victims. Items recovered from his residence included a wig and female clothing reportedly used to disguise himself for dating scams and social media content aimed at monetisation.
SP Abiodun reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state, assuring residents that operations against criminal elements would continue unabated.
“The Niger State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminals and ensure the safety of all residents through continuous intelligence-driven policing,” he said.
