Niger Police Crackdown leads to the arrest of 10 suspected robbers in Minna, with weapons and suspected cannabis recovered during raids

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected robbers and thugs during a major security operation across parts of Minna, recovering dangerous weapons and suspected cannabis in the process.

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Niger Police anti-crime operation followed a series of intelligence-led patrols and coordinated raids carried out by police operatives in partnership with local vigilante groups, targeting criminal hideouts and robbery hotspots within the state capital.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said three suspects were apprehended on June 4 while allegedly attempting to rob passengers travelling in a tricycle along the Kwari-Begger and Maitumbi axis of Minna.

The suspects, identified as Sadiq Ibrahim, 25, Abdulazeez Ahmed, 25, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 26, were reportedly spotted by operatives of the Tactical Support Team during a routine patrol. Officers recovered two cutlasses and a jackknife from the suspects.

According to Abiodun, preliminary interrogation revealed that the trio allegedly planned to dispossess passengers of their phones and other valuables.

In a separate operation on June 2, police officers attached to the Central Police Station, working alongside vigilante personnel, conducted raids in several locations, including PZ area, Sabon-Gari, Abdulsalam Quarters, Tayi Village and Seyeno.

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven additional suspects. Officers also recovered two sharp curved weapons and quantities of suspected cannabis from the locations.

The arrests represent a significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the city and improve public safety.

Meanwhile, police operatives attached to Katcha Division arrested a suspect, Abubakar Alfa, for allegedly possessing a locally made pistol and a cutlass at a public gathering on June 1.

Abiodun said the suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the weapon and has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation.

In another development, police recovered an abandoned Volkswagen vehicle bearing registration number KUJ 113 SB along the Suleja-Minna Road.

The vehicle had reportedly been left near Farin-Doki for three days before officers from Paiko Division, assisted by local residents, secured and moved it to the station pending further investigation.

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The police command said investigations are continuing and efforts remain underway to track down other members of the suspected robbery syndicate and determine the circumstances surrounding the abandoned vehicle.