Niger police arrest 12 suspects for murder, kidnapping

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 12 suspected robbers who were also alleged to be involved in the killing of some residents.

Our correspondent gathered that one of the victims, 35-year-old Nafiu Mohammed of Sabon-Titi area of Maitumbi in Minna was allegedly attacked and stabbed to death. Although he was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by doctors.

Following Muhammed’s death operatives of the Command arrested Emmanuel Moses, 25-year-old; Lukman Mohammed, 25 years; Abdullahi Mohammed, 19 year-old; Sani Ibrahim, 18-year-old; Abdullahi Yusuf a.k.a Challo 22-year-old; and Adamu Isyaku 20-year-old – all of behind Maitumbi primary school.

Meanwhile, reports indicated that Sani Ibrahim was arrested with a long cutlass.

Another suspect, Muhammad Sani, who was also mentioned during police interrogation of the suspects is said to be on the run.

He was said to be among the gang responsible for the death of the Mohammed.

However, Police said a manhunt is on to  arrest Sani.

Similarly, the police arrested some suspects who disguised as members of a vigilante group to rob the residents.

The arrested persons included: Alhassan Tanko, 25-year-old; Basiru Shaibu, 26-year-old; and Ishaya Umar, 28-year-old – who are all of Beri, Mariga LGA.

The Police said the suspects confessed to be seven in number who disguise as Vigilantes.

They said they formed a syndicate under the guise of Yansakai Vigilante group for the purpose of kidnapping and armed robbery.

They also revealed that they killed at least three innocent victims within Mariga LGA in the course of their kidnapping escapades, and stole their motorcycles which were sold to Awalu of Beri.

A search of their houses which was conducted by personnel of the command led to the discovery of a pump action rifle which was recovered.

The spokesman of the Niger State Police Command Abiodun confirmed the arrest and disclosed that a manhunt was on to arrest the fleeing criminals

Abiodun narrated the incidents thus: “On 25th August, 2026, at about 6.45pm, a report was received at Maitumbi Division that one Nafiu Mohammed 35 years of Sabon-Titi area of Maitumbi was attacked and stabbed to death.

“Police operatives attached to the Div moved to the area and the victim was rushed to a nearby medical facility where he was confirmed dead.

“Police tactical teams were immediately drafted to this location and the following suspects were arrested:

Emmanuel Moses, 25 years;

Lukman Mohammed, 25 years;

Abdullahi Mohammed, 19 years;

-Sani Ibrahim, (18 years with a long cutlass);

Abdullahi Yusuf, a.k.a Challo, 22 years; and Adamu Isyaku, 20 years, all of behind Maitumbi primary school.

“In the course of interrogation, the suspects mentioned one Muhammad Sani who is among their gang to be responsible for the death of the victim. Efforts to arrest the said Sani is in progress, while the suspects arrested are in custody for conspiracy and thuggery,” he said.

Abiodun, who also spoke on the arrest of members of the fake vigilante guards assured the public that efforts were on to arrest other members of the gang.

According to him, “On 23rd August, 2026, based on credible information received that some hoodlums formed a gang of Yansakai Vigilante at Uraga village, Mariga LGA and were perpetrating crime and criminality such as kidnapping and robbing innocent persons of their valuables.

“On getting this report, the Police surveillance team attached to Kotangora Area Command moved to the location and three suspects were arrested, and they are: Alhassan Tanko, 25 years; Basiru Shaibu, 26 years; and Ishaya Umar,  28 years, all of Beri, Mariga LGA.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed that seven of them formed the syndicate under the guise of Yansakai Vigilante group, for the purpose of kidnapping and armed robbery.

“The suspects further revealed that they had killed at least three innocent victims within Mariga LGA in the course of their kidnapping escapades, and stolen their motorcycles.

“Investigations furtger indicated that the motorcycles were sold to one Awalu of Beri. When a search was also conducted in their houses, one pump action rifle was recovered,” he disclosed.