Niger Police Arrest Notorious 18-Year-Old Thug for Armed Robbery and Homicide
The Niger State Police Command has apprehended an 18-year-old suspected notorious thug, Jamilu Abdullahi, also known as Zabo, over alleged involvement in armed robbery and culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday, August 11, 2025. According to him, Abdullahi was found in possession of a pointed sharp iron reportedly used in stabbing and robbing victims.
The suspect, who had been on the Command’s wanted list for suspected murder, was arrested during an intelligence-led raid on August 2, 2025, at around 12:00 a.m. The operation, carried out by operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, Minna, targeted criminal hideouts around Stadium Road.
“Further to the clampdown on thuggery and other criminal activities in Minna metropolis and its environs, the operation led to the arrest of one Jamilu Abdullahi, 18, of Abdulsalam Quarters, with a pointed sharp iron used in stabbing and robbing victims. He has been on the run for the suspected culpable homicide of several persons,” the statement read.
Abiodun further revealed that Abdullahi is alleged to be a gang leader operating alongside known criminals identified as Musa Kaura, Kaule, and Gaiye, who have been terrorising communities including Angwan-Daji, Limawa, New-Market, and Maitumbi. The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, where he is assisting with ongoing investigations aimed at arresting other members of his gang.
He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
In a related development, the Command’s Anti-Thuggery Unit conducted a sting operation between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on August 6, 2025, in the Barkin-Sale area. Four additional suspects were arrested and found in possession of dangerous weapons, including three sharp knives, scissors, and suspected cannabis. All suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
