Police raid criminal hotspots, arrest 21 suspected thugs, recover weapons in Niger
Niger State Police Command Escalates Operations Against Criminal Activities in Minna
Minna, Niger State — The Niger State Police Command has intensified efforts to combat crime in Minna, resulting in the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal activities during recent operations. Law enforcement officials also seized several dangerous weapons, including a locally made pistol.
The arrests occurred during targeted operations by police units assigned to the Kpakungu and Chanchaga divisions, which were carried out in response to identified criminal hotspots throughout the state.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun reported on Sunday that a raid conducted by Kpakungu Division operatives in Angwan-Kanawa on August 24 at approximately 9:30 PM led to the apprehension of six suspects. Among those arrested were Sani Ibrahim, 18; Abdulkareem Hassan, 20; Salmanu Ishaq, 18; Nasiru Mukhtar, 18; Suleiman Yusuf, 18; and Abdulsalam Shuaibu, all of whom reside in the area.
During this raid, law enforcement officers recovered suspected cannabis, a cutlass, two pairs of scissors, a black bag, and other illicit items.
The following evening, three additional suspects—identified as Ibrahim Mohammed, 18; Mustapha Abdulkadir, 20; and Mustapha Mohammed, 19—were arrested in Marikichi while allegedly engaged in a physical altercation. Police reported that Mustapha Abdulkadir used a cutlass during the fight, resulting in serious injuries to Ibrahim Mohammed’s right hand. Mohammed was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and all three suspects have been charged in court.
In a separate operation on September 1, Chanchaga Division operatives targeted known blackspots around Angwan-Dakoko, Angwan-Kwakwa, and Angwan-Gwari at approximately 12:30 AM. During this midnight raid, 12 suspected miscreants were apprehended. Two of the detainees were identified as Victor Solomon, 25—also known as Tumbeleke—who was allegedly found in possession of a sharp dagger, and Osama Saidu Baushe, 17, who reportedly had a sharp sword.
The Niger State Police Command stated that all suspects remain in custody as investigations continue and preparations for prosecution are made.
