Niger State Police, led by Commissioner Adamu Elleman, intensified operations to curb crime across Minna and its surrounding areas. Between April 9 and 16, 2025, officers made major arrests and foiled several criminal activities.
On April 14, Chanchaga Division officers raided an illegal mining site behind the College of Education in Minna. They arrested 30 suspects. Several others escaped when the police arrived.
Officers recovered 69 shovels, 182 head pans, 33 diggers, 38 plastic containers, and one hoe. Investigators screened minors and women, then released them. Police charged 18 suspects to court for illegal mining. The Command will continue surveillance in the area.
Officers Arrest Armed Vigilante Member
On April 11, around 8:00 a.m., the Counter Terrorism Unit arrested 20-year-old Abdullahi Sani in Gidan-Gwona, Gurara LGA. He had a fabricated AK-49 rifle and a magazine with three live rounds.
Sani claimed he was returning from a party in Kwakuti. He said his vigilante commander, Danlami Bala from Abaji, gave him the weapon. Police later arrested Bala. He admitted a man named Yakubu, now at large, gave him the rifle. Officers are continuing the investigation.
Motorcycle Thief Caught in Limawa
On April 9, a Limawa resident reported his white Jincheng motorcycle stolen. He had parked it while visiting a relative. He returned to find it missing.
Police arrested 20-year-old Shamsu Ibrahim. He confessed to selling the motorcycle in Maitumbi for ₦50,000. Officers recovered the abandoned bike. Ibrahim is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna.
Fraud Syndicate Foiled at Izom Market
On April 16, Maje Division officers arrested a four-man syndicate in Izom cattle market. The suspects planned to defraud a cattle seller.
They were inside a black Mercedes-Benz (plate number KTU 747 HF). Police recovered ₦1.2 million in cash, cut-to-size paper used to print fake money, chemicals, a handcuff, and two phones.
The suspects, Aliyu Abbas (35), Jibrin Idris (35), Musa Ya’u, and Abubakar Yahaya (45), admitted to scamming market traders. They posed as police officers or fake currency makers. Several victims have identified them. Police will charge the suspects after investigations conclude.
