Niger Police Arrest 24 for Thuggery, Armed Robbery in Minna
The Niger State Police Command has apprehended 24 individuals in connection with thuggery, armed robbery, and other criminal activities in the Maitumbi area of Minna.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 1, 2025, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests and revealed that an automatic pump-action gun with two live cartridges, a bolt cutter, cutlasses, knives, scissors, shisha pots, and various illicit substances were recovered during the operation.
According to the statement, the operation was part of an intensified crackdown on youth restiveness and violent crimes under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips. On July 30, 2025, between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., operatives from the Anti-Thuggery Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), alongside personnel from the Maitumbi and Central Police Divisions and local vigilante members, conducted a coordinated raid across Angwan-Roka, Kwari-Berger, Flamingo, and Tudun areas.
During the operation, 24 suspects were apprehended at various locations. Some of those arrested include Abubakar Nura (23), Auwal Mohammed (20), Suleiman Hassan (21), and Alhassan Mohammed (19), all residents of Angwan-Roka and Maitumbi. They were found in a residence allegedly used as a hideout by a notorious gang leader, Saidu Umar Namaska, who remains at large.
Searches conducted at the location led to the recovery of an automatic pump gun, live ammunition, weapons, and drug paraphernalia.
Other suspects arrested include Usman Abubakar Bahago (18), Abubakar Sadiq Bahago (24), and Mubarak Abubakar (18), who were found in another property frequently used by a second gang leader known as Sudaise.
Additional suspects include Jemilu Ibrahim (23) and Jemilu Ilyasu (16), who were caught in a shop at Berger Junction. When confronted, they allegedly attempted to evade arrest by climbing through the rooftop and threatened security operatives with a knife. Knives and cutlasses were later recovered from under their bed.
Among the remaining suspects are Shafiu Umar Chukuli (30), Daniel Joseph (16), Saidu Aminu Babayi (25), and Mustapha Mohammed (25), all linked to a location previously associated with the killing of a vigilante member and known for harboring criminals.
Eleven more individuals were arrested in various parts of Maitumbi in the early hours of the day during the sweep.
All suspects are currently under investigation, and police efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members of the criminal gangs.
Commissioner of Police Adamu Abdullahi Elleman assured residents of the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and maintaining public safety. He also called on community members to continue supporting law enforcement with timely information and cooperation.
