12 in police net over alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, others in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects for alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearm and receiving stolen property in different part of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement in Minna on Wednesday.

Abiodun said on November 26 at about 3pm, the operatives attached to Ibbi Divisional Police Station arrested two of the suspects, who are both of Anguwan Danyaki village in Danko Wasagu Council Area, while trying to board a commercial vehicle in Ibbi.

Abiodun said during the search, nine single barrel guns, one locally-made pistol, 125 cartridges and four Techno handsets were recovered from them.

He further stated that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to have bought the guns from a man who hails from Babana village, via New-Bussa in Borgu council area of the state.

The police spokesman said efforts were ongoing to arrest the man, adding that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were concluded.

Similarly, he said on November 26 at about 8pm, the police operatives attached to the SCID, Minna intercepted and arrested another suspect at Lambata Junction in Gurara Local Government area.

Abioudun explained that the suspect pulled out a barreta pistol and fired a shot in the air in an attempt to escape and evade arrest, adding, however, that he was eventually disarmed by the police.

He said the barreta pistol, with nine live ammunitions, was recovered from the suspect.

The police spokesman said the suspect had been on wanted list since November 23 when he escaped from a robbery incident at Maitumbi after robbing a motorcyclist, while the accomplice was arrested and the motorcycle recovered.

He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he got the pistol from a man and that he had been using to rob in Suleja-Minna axis.

Abiodun said the case was under investigation.

Also, he said the intelligence operatives attached to the command arrested a three-man syndicate on November 27 at Bosso area.

The PPRO said the syndicate specialised in robbing mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables from residents of Minna.

He said: “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, which led to the arrest of three suspected receivers at Maikunkele area of Minna.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included eight assorted mobile phones, two knives, one 40-inch LG television, one faze cap, one wrist watch, charms and some scrap items.

“Investigation further revealed that some of the suspects were recently released from remand home.”
Abiodun further stated that case was under investigation and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

Besides, he said a man, who was kidnapped by armed bandits at Babugi village, via Mashegu, was rescued by the police.

Abiodun said the police got the information on November 27 that the man had been kidnapped.

He said: “Upon receipt of the information, a combined team of the police and the vigilante was mobilised to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle.

“Consequently, the victim was rescued unhurt, while one of the hoodlums was fatally wounded and others escaped with bullet wounds.”

The police spokesman said one AK-49 rifle, with 50 rounds of live ammunition, was recovered, adding that efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

He also said the police personnel attached to ‘A’ Division, Suleja on November 23 at about 5:30pm, arrested a suspect found roaming about on the Suleja-Minna Road by Church Road Junction in Suleja.

He said during a search, the man was found to be in possession of one locally-made pistol, with two live cartridges and a jack knife.

Abiodun added that upon interrogation, the suspect claimed to have bought the pistol for N10,000 from a man from Ogbaro village in Anambra State for security work, adding that investigation was ongoing on the matter.