Police nab 147 suspects in Niger for thuggery and weapons

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 147 suspects in different operations targeting criminal hideouts and thuggery across the state.

The command reported that 139 suspects were taken into custody during raids in Suleja and nearby areas. This followed what they called an "unlawful assembly and violent rally" in the town.

In a crime bulletin released on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the operation started after some people were seen with dangerous weapons. They were accused of attacking and robbing the public during the rally.

The Commissioner of Police, Adam Elleman, sent the Command’s Vigilance, Community Relations, and Intelligence Unit, led by CSP Hassan Gimba, to Suleja on August 4.

The command stated that the team acted on "actionable intelligence" and carried out sting operations at known trouble spots in Madalla, Kwata, Bakin-Ruwa, Dikko, Kaduna Road, Sabon-Wuse, Gwazunu, and Chaza.

"During the raid operations, a total of 139 suspects were arrested at different locations mentioned above," the statement said.

The police noted that after screening, 64 suspects were found to be miscreants. They had large amounts of suspected cannabis, dangerous weapons, scissors, knives, cutlasses, and four live cartridges.

The command said the 64 suspects were taken to the Chief Magistrate Court in Suleja. They faced charges such as criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, aiding and abetting, and possession of dangerous weapons.

"All suspects were remanded in a correctional centre," the statement added.

In another operation, the police arrested eight suspects in raids targeting suspected thugs and criminal hideouts in Minna.

The command explained that its surveillance team from Tudun-Wada Division carried out coordinated raids around Talakawa area of Tunga at about 4:30 am on August 11.

The suspects were named as Ashiru Sirajo, 19; Aminu Mahmud, 17; and Dadi Suleiman, 14, all from Talakawa area, Tunga.

A search of their home led to the recovery of a long flexible cutlass, two big clubs, locally known as "gora", and a shovel.

The operation then moved to Sauka-Kahuta area, where another suspect, Jibrin Muhammad, 18, was arrested. He was allegedly found with two sharp daggers, an "ice bunker", six lighters, and suspected cannabis.

Additionally, four other suspects were arrested during a raid on criminal hideouts in Maitumbi. This operation took place at about 2:45 am on August 9 by officers from Maitumbi Division along with local vigilantes.

The suspects were identified as Buhari Aliyu, 25; Shaabal Muhammed, 20; Mubarak Ahmad, 24; and Saifullah Muhammad, 21, all from Challenge Junction, Maitumbi.

The command stated that these suspects were allegedly found with illegal substances and shisha pots.

"Investigation is ongoing and they will be charged to court once it is complete," the police said.

The command emphasized that these operations are part of its efforts to reduce crime and ensure security across Niger State.