The Niger State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects and recovered a pistol, live ammunition, dangerous weapons, stolen motorcycles, goats and cannabis in a series of operations across the state between August 11 and 24.
This was contained in a crime bulletin signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun.
Armed Robbery Syndicate Busted in Minna
On August 11 at about 2am, armed robbers invaded residences in the Sauka-Kahuta area of Minna and carted away laptops, phones, motorcycles and other valuables.
Following investigation, Police operatives arrested the gang leader, Isiya Auwal, 25, on August 17 behind U.K. Bello Theatre Centre, Maitumbi.
He led detectives to arrest other members: Muhammad Tanko, 27 — arrested at Tafa; Francis Yusuf a.k.a Sisko, 35 — arrested at Dikko Junction; Amir Musa, 28 — arrested at Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The four confessed to robberies around Mandela, Sauka-Kahuta, Barkin-Sale, Farm Centre and Highpoint areas. They named Ismaila Abdullahi, 50, of Angwan-Roka, Maitumbi as the custodian of their gun. Police arrested Ismaila on August 19 and recovered one Barretta pistol with two live ammunition.
Police said the suspects usually sold stolen items to a receiver identified as Ahmed a.k.a Genuine of Maitumbi. Efforts to arrest the receiver are ongoing. All five suspects are in custody at SCID Minna.
Goat Thief Arrested in Mokwa
On August 20 at about 5am, a patrol team along Mokwa-Jebba road intercepted Abdulmumini Lawal, 27, of Sawmill area Mokwa with two goats and one sheep suspected to be stolen.
He confessed and led operatives to the house where he stole them. He said he was taking the animals to Ilorin, Kwara State. He has been charged to court.
Raid in Maitumbi Nets 8 Miscreants
On August 23 at about 1:30am, operatives of Maitumbi Division with vigilantes raided identified blackspots. Eight suspects were arrested with dangerous weapons and cannabis. Those arrested include Anas Sani, Ibrahim Musa, Isah Haruna, Buhari Usman, Yusuf Shehu, Halilu Abubakar, Saidu Idris and Musa Idris a.k.a Fresh. Items recovered include sickles, cutlasses, knives, sticks and cannabis. All are undergoing investigation.
Motorcycle Thieves Rescued From Mob, Fake Doctor Arrested in Kontagora
On August 24 at about 8pm, Police at ‘B’ Division Kontagora rescued Hassan Adamu, 35 and Bashar Isah, 28, both of Usubu area, from a mob that wanted to lynch them over a suspected stolen motorcycle. They confessed to stealing the motorcycle at 3am from Fed. Low Cost area.
Also on August 24 at about 4:30pm, Aminu Yusuf, 35, of Unguwan-Tukura, Kontagora was arrested for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor. He confessed to administering injections and medications and collecting ₦30,000 each from women without any medical background or documents.
The Commissioner of Police said all suspects will be charged to court after investigation.