Police Arrest 24 Suspects in Minna Anti-Crime Raid

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 24 suspected criminals during a coordinated sting operation targeting thuggery and armed robbery in Maitumbi, a suburb of Minna, the state capital.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Anti-Thuggery Unit. They were supported by personnel from the Maitumbi and Central Police Divisions, alongside local vigilante groups.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the raid was prompted by a spike in criminal activities, including youth violence, armed robbery, and gang clashes in areas such as Angwan-Roka, Kwari-Berger, Flamingo, and Tudun within the Maitumbi district.

Among those arrested were Abubakar Nura (23), Auwal Mohammed (20), Suleiman Hassan (21), and Alhassan Mohammed (19), all residents of Angwan-Roka. The suspects were apprehended at a known hideout allegedly linked to Saidu Namaska, a suspected gang leader currently on the run.

A search of the premises yielded an automatic pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, a bolt cutter, cutlasses, scissors, shisha equipment, and suspected illegal substances.

In a separate location linked to another gang leader known as Sudaise, additional arrests were made. Those taken into custody include Usman Abubakar Bahago (18), Abubakar Bahago (24), and Mubarak Abubakar (18). Also arrested were Jemilu Ibrahim (23) and Jemilu Ilyasu (16), both of Kwari-Berger, who were found hiding in a shop. The duo allegedly attempted to resist arrest by brandishing knives and fleeing through the roof.

Several weapons, including knives and cutlasses, were recovered from the location.

Additional suspects arrested include Shafiu Chukuli (30), Daniel Joseph (16), Saidu Babayi (25), and Mustapha Mohammed (25). This group was found in a residence previously identified as a gang base and allegedly linked to the 2024 killing of a local vigilante member.

DSP Abiodun confirmed that 11 other suspects were apprehended across different parts of Maitumbi during the same operation, bringing the total number of arrests to 24.

Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustained operations against criminal networks. He also appealed to the public to continue providing credible information that could aid law enforcement efforts.

The latest crackdown comes amid rising concerns over the activities of violent youth gangs, locally known as “Yan Daba,” which have contributed to worsening security conditions in Minna and other urban centres across Niger State.