The Niger State Police Command has arrested six individuals suspected of involvement in thuggery, armed robbery, public disturbance, and possession of illicit drugs and dangerous weapons. The arrests were made following a coordinated operation in response to criminal activities in the Gbeganu area of Minna.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Monday, October 14, 2024. He explained that on October 5, 2024, there had been reports of youth restiveness, public disturbances, and robbery in Fadikpe, Kutirko, and Angwan-Kanawa, where armed miscreants attacked residents, shop owners, and passersby. Although police patrols were dispatched, the criminals initially escaped.
However, on October 7, 2024, at about 1:00 a.m., a sting operation led by Area Commander ACP Galadima Lassa, with teams from the Kpakungu and GRA divisions, resulted in the arrest of six suspects. The arrested individuals are:
- Musa Umar, 50, of Kulogbe (alleged youth leader)
- Sirajo Isyaku, 20, of Kutirko
- Yusuf Ahmed, 18, of Kutirko
- Bashir Yahaya, 20, of Fadikpe
- Shuaibu Mohammed, 38, of Fadikpe
- Usman Adamu, 21, of Sabon-Titi
According to preliminary investigations, Musa Umar is accused of inciting clashes between youths from Kulogbe and Kutirko, leading to public fights. He later provided information that helped police arrest the other suspects.
During the raid, police recovered 25 wraps of suspected cannabis, four stolen handsets, one knife, a sword, and three sticks. The suspects are currently under investigation at the Bosso Area Command and will soon be charged in court. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.