By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna
The Niger State Police Command has dismantled a syndicate involved in the production and sale of fake Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and National Identification Number (NIN) slips, arrested a key suspect and recovered hundreds of forged documents in a major breakthrough ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abdullahi Adamu Elleman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Minna on the Command’s operational achievements for July 2026.
According to him, operatives of the Tactical Support Team (STS) acted on credible intelligence and arrested 42-year-old Mohammed Aliyu Buba at his residence in the Angwan Sarki area of Minna after weeks of surveillance and investigation.
The police boss said a search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of 189 fake Permanent Voter Cards and 105 fake NIN slips believed to have been produced for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.
CP Elleman revealed that investigations showed the suspect specialised in producing forged PVCs and NIN slips, targeting residents of Munya and Wushishi Local Government Areas of the state.
He said the suspect confessed to producing more than 1,000 fake PVCs and selling each PVC for ₦2,000 and each fake NIN slip for ₦1,000, generating over ₦3 million from the illegal business.
“The suspect admitted producing fake voter cards and NIN slips for unsuspecting members of the public, particularly in Munya and Wushishi Local Government Areas. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate,” the Commissioner said.
CP Elleman warned residents against patronising illegal agents for voter registration or identity documents, stressing that only authorised government agencies are empowered to issue such documents.
In a separate operation, the Commissioner disclosed that police patrol teams arrested five suspected armed robbers who had been terrorising residents of Gauraka in Tafa Local Government Area.
Highlighting the Command’s overall performance in July, CP Elleman said a total of 71 suspected criminals were arrested across the state during various operations.
He added that officers recovered 10 AK-pattern rifles, 15 AK magazines and 330 rounds of assorted ammunition, while nine trafficked children and one abducted baby were rescued.
The Command also displayed the recovered firearms, ammunition, suspected tramadol and other exhibits during the briefing.
CP Elleman attributed the achievements to the professionalism, commitment and resilience of officers and men of the Niger State Police Command, assuring that the welfare of personnel would continue to receive priority.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain the fight against crime and criminality across the state and urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information to enhance public safety.
