Police nab 27 suspected thugs, seize weapons and stolen bike in Niger

The police have arrested 27 suspected thugs during operations in Minna, Niger State.

The police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, shared this news in a crime bulletin on Wednesday in Minna.

He explained that officers from Tudun-Wada Division carried out sting operations on July 4 and 5 at known criminal hideouts in Kafintella, Sauka-Kahuta, and Building Materials Road. They arrested 10 suspects.

The suspects include Rabiu Hassan, Musa Zaidu, Hassan Alhassan, Dahiru Mohammad, Abubakar Yahaya, Awwal Muhammad, Sadiq Ahmed, Muhammad Audu, Hassan Usman, and Abdulahim Jibril.

Mr Abiodun mentioned that the suspects had dangerous weapons on them. These included a long sickle, a digger, a stick, and a shovel.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted they came from Yobe State to Minna for illegal mining. They have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for more investigation.

Further Operations

In another operation from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. on July 6, officers from ‘A’ Division raided criminal hideouts around the PZ area, Angwan-Kaje, Saiko, Abdusalam Quarters, Tudun-Natsira, and Paida. This led to the arrest of 17 suspects.

One of those arrested was Abdulkarim Mohammed, known as “Na-Kareemu.” The police say he is a notorious thug who has been avoiding arrest for past crimes.

Police recovered four cutlasses, two knives, suspected cannabis, and other drugs during this operation. The suspects are still being investigated.

On July 7, police also found a suspected stolen Bajaj motorcycle while patrolling the Highpoint area of Minna.

Mr Abiodun said officers saw a suspect taking the motorcycle from a home around 3 a.m. The suspect ran away after seeing the patrol team, leaving the motorcycle behind.

The owner of the motorcycle later identified it and took it back. Police are still trying to catch the suspect who fled.