The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspected fraudsters involved in a vehicle scam syndicate and recovered 67 rustled cattle following a gun duel with bandits in the state, marking a significant crackdown on criminal activities in the region. The arrests and recovery operations took place between May 12 and May 14, 2026, across various locations in Niger State, including Suleja, Munya, and Minna. Police also apprehended about 20 suspects linked to violent clashes between students of two secondary schools, while another suspect was shot during an attempted attack on officers in Gwari Market.
On May 12, operatives from the Maje Division in Suleja intercepted four suspects—Badamasi Saidu, Adamu Musa, Yunusa Mohammed, and Mohammed Usman—along Kaduna Road. They were caught attempting to transport a suspected stolen Volkswagen Golf vehicle, which had its number plate removed to disguise it as a newly acquired car. According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were part of a scam network that targeted unsuspecting buyers by pretending to sell stolen vehicles. After interrogation, they confessed to intimidating victims and extorting money before reclaiming the vehicles.
Further investigation led to the recovery of another Volkswagen vehicle with registration number RSH 24 FD, a POS machine used for financial transactions, and a fake Police Mess identity card allegedly belonging to one of the suspects. These items were seized as evidence during the operation. The police emphasized that the suspects specialized in defrauding individuals by orchestrating elaborate scams involving stolen vehicles.
In a separate incident on May 14, joint security operatives engaged in a gun duel with suspected bandits along the Mangoro-Idu village route in Munya Local Government Area. The confrontation forced the criminals to flee, abandoning 67 livestock—comprising 43 cows and 24 sheep—which were later handed over to their rightful owners with the help of local authorities. Additionally, police from Maikunkele Division recovered another cow in Rafin-Yashi after two suspects fled upon sighting a patrol team.
The command also confirmed the arrest of approximately 20 suspects following violent clashes between students from two secondary schools along Bosso Road in Minna. The arrests were made during follow-up raids conducted between May 13 and 14, after the incident caused panic and disrupted public order in the area. In another development, a suspect allegedly armed with cannabis and an axe was shot in the leg after attacking a police team near Gwari Market. The dangerous weapon and suspected drugs were recovered from the scene.
These operations reflect the Niger State Police Command’s intensified efforts to restore security and combat rising crime rates in the state. The successful recovery of stolen property and the apprehension of criminals signal a continued commitment to public safety. Authorities remain vigilant and are urging residents to report suspicious activities to prevent further criminal acts.
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