Police nab 21 suspects in Niger crackdown on hoodlums

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 21 suspects in separate operations targeting thuggery, possession of dangerous weapons and armed robbery in parts of the state.

The arrests followed raids on identified criminal hideouts and trouble spots, while police operatives also recovered locally made weapons and other suspected illicit items.

Among those arrested is 20-year-old Yusuf Musa, a resident of Angwan-Kadara, Maitumbi, Minna, who the police described as a suspected armed robbery and house-breaking operative.

According to the command, Musa was apprehended with items allegedly stolen from residents, while efforts are underway to arrest his alleged accomplice, identified as 22-year-old Danjuma, and recover the remaining property.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests and gave details of the operations.

Abiodun said, “On 1st September, 2026, at about 12.30am, Police operatives attached to Chanchaga Division stormed some identified blackspots around Angwan-Dakoko, Angwan-Kwakwa, Angwan-Gwari at midnight and 12 miscreants were arrested.

“During the raid, one Victor Solomon, 25 years a.k.a Tumbeleke bearing one sharp dagger, and Osama Saidu Baushe, 17 years was caught with one sharp sword. All suspects are in custody for further investigation and prosecution.

“On 5th September 2026 at about 2.50pm, Police operatives attached to Maitumbi Division also arrested a notorious armed robbery/house breaking suspect, known as Yusuf Musa, 20 years of age and of Angwan-Kadara, Maitumbi.

“During interrogation, he confessed that on 4th September, 2026, at about 01.20am, he conspired with one Danjuma 22 years of age, and of Dana area of Maitumbi, and broke into a house behind Dana where they carted away the following items: One smart TV, One orthopedic bed and 17pcs of new shirts.

“Others were: 11pcs of trousers, five pcs of caps, bed sheets, extension sockets, 3kva generator, shoes, pressing iron, iron rods, solar street lights and cameras,” Abiodun stated.

The police spokesman said additional arrests were made during separate operations in Kpakungu and Marikichi.

He disclosed that six suspects were arrested during a raid around Angwan-Kanawa in the Kpakungu area on 24th August.

Abiodun said, “On 24th August, 2026, at about 9.30pm, Police operatives attached to Kpakungu Division conducted a raid operation around Angwan-Kanawa, Kpakungu area and the following suspects were arrested: Sani Ibrahim, 18 years of age, and of Darus-salam;

Abdulkareem Hassan, 20 years of age, and of Barkin-Sale; Salmanu Ishaq, 18 years of age, also of Darus-salam; Nasiru Mukhtar, 18 years of age, of Angwan-Daji; Suleiman Yusuf, 18 years of age, of Darus-salam; and Abdulsalam Shuaibu, 18 years of age and of Darus-salam.

“The suspects were arrested with suspected cannabis, one cutlass, two scissors, a black bag containing several illicit items.

“Similarly on 25th August, 2026, at about 11pm, three other suspects were arrested at Marikichi area, and they are: Ibrahim Mohammed, 18 years; Mustapha Abdulkadir, 20 years; and Mustapha Mohammed, 19 years; all of Marikichi area.

“They were arrested during a fight among themselves where Mustapha Abdulkadir used a cutlass to inflict a serious injury on Ibrahim Mohammed’s right hand. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and all have been charged to court for prosecution.

“On the same date, at about 9.30am,  information was received from Gada village, Bosso LGA that a locally made pistol was sighted at a mining site at Dogon-Ruwa village. Police operatives moved to the location and the said pistol was recovered. The exhibit is under investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the pistol,” he stated.

Abiodun said the command was continuing its investigation into the various cases and intensifying efforts to apprehend Danjuma.

He added that the police were also working to recover the property allegedly stolen during the house-breaking incident.

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