The Niger State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged vandalism of a communication mast in Minna, with authorities confirming that a suspected soldier and another accomplice escaped during a high-speed interception along the Paiko-Lapai Road on September 20, 2026. The suspects, identified as Ogbonna David, 34, from Ogbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, and Chidiebere Okonkwo, 30, from Port Harcourt, were apprehended at Tungan-Mallam Village via Paiko after police received credible intelligence about a stolen Mazda vehicle with registration number PHC 544 BP moving through the area. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Abiodun, police personnel from the Paiko Division responded swiftly to the tip-off around 5:50 pm and successfully intercepted the vehicle. Preliminary investigations revealed that four individuals were inside the car, including a suspected soldier believed to be acting as an escort. The group was traced to the Brighter area of Minna, where they allegedly vandalized a communication mast and stole solar batteries before attempting to flee towards Abuja. Security operatives along Lambata Road were alerted during the pursuit, prompting the suspects to turn back and take an alternate route through Paiko-Lapai Road, where they were eventually stopped.
Upon interception, the suspected soldier and one other individual fled the scene immediately, while David and Okonkwo were taken into custody. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of several items, including four solar batteries, two Android phones, a keypad phone, two gas cylinders, three pairs of military camouflage uniforms, a pair of military boots, a green beret, three passport photographs belonging to a military officer, N26,000 in cash, a knife, and a bag containing spanners. These recovered items are being used to support ongoing investigations.
The two arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further interrogation and possible prosecution. Meanwhile, police are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the two fleeing suspects, particularly the individual believed to be a soldier. In a separate but related incident, 35-year-old Lami Bako of Mokwa was arrested around Kainji Junction at approximately 3:30 am on the same day. She was found with a crying two-month-old baby, which she admitted was not her own, claiming an unidentified woman had handed it over to her. This case has also been handed over to SCID for further investigation, with authorities working to identify the child’s biological mother and ensure safe reunification.
These developments highlight ongoing security challenges in Niger State, particularly concerning sabotage of critical infrastructure and cases involving child welfare. Authorities remain committed to maintaining public safety and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
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