Niger Police Arrest 27 Suspects for Thuggery, Other Crimes

Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested 27 suspects for thuggery and possession of dangerous weapons and illicit substances in Suleja.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on 27th May, 2026 said the suspects were arrested during coordinated raid operations targeting identified criminal hideouts and black spots in Kantoma and Panteka areas of Suleja.

According to the PPRO, clubs, cutlasses, swords, a curved long weapon popularly called “garrio,” axes, scissors, knives, and suspected cannabis were recovered from the suspects.

“In continuation of ongoing security reinforcement as part of proactive measures for a peaceful festivity across the State, Police operatives of the Tactical Support Team (TST) in collaboration with Suleja Area Command on 24th May, 2026 conducted coordinated raid operations within Suleja metropolis, targeting identified criminal hideouts and black spots known for harbouring thugs and other suspected miscreants disturbing public peace,” the statement read.

“The operation, which lasted from about 8:30 p.m to 12:00 midnight, covered Kantoma area, Babangida Market, and Panteka popularly referred to as “Jungle.” During the exercise, a total of twenty-seven (27) suspects were arrested while several dangerous weapons and suspected illicit substances were recovered.

“Items recovered from the suspects include fifteen (15) mobile phones, ATM cards, suspected fake identity cards, ten (10) clubs locally known as “gora,” cutlasses, swords, a curved long weapon popularly called “garrio,” two axes, scissors, knives, and a bag containing suspected cannabis.

“At Panteka area popularly known as “Jungle,” the following suspects were arrested:
Haruna Idris 20yrs; Imrana Halilu Abdullahi 20yrs; Mohammed Isah 27yrs; and Yusuf Surajo 22yrs, all of Niger State. Others include Jibrin Shehu 26yrs; Ahmad Samaila 22yrs; and Jamilu Idris 23yrs, all of Katsina State.

“Also arrested at the same location were Auwal Ibrahim 28yrs; Mohammed Salisu 20yrs; Murtala Mohammed 28yrs; Abdulshakur Mohammed 28yrs; Jibril Abubakar 30yrs; Hamisu Abdullahi 27yrs; Hassan Ismail 29yrs; Mukhtar Adam 38yrs; Adamu Ibrahim, 27yrs; Abba Ibrahim 22yrs; Mutawakil Usman 27yrs; Ibrahim Adam 26yrs; Aliyu Jibrin 28yrs; Mohammed Bashir 30yrs; and Zuhairu Ahmed 30yrs, all of Kano State, alongside Salisu Dauda 22yrs of Yobe State.

“Similarly, Auwal Isah 28yrs of Kaduna State residing along Madalla Road; Suleiman Abubakar 28yrs of Kano State residing around Suleja Club; and Bala Musa 25yrs of Kano State, were arrested around Kantoma area while Ibrahim Shuaibu 22yrs of Kano State, was arrested at Babangida Market, all in possession of suspected cannabis and other illicit substances.

“All suspects are currently in Police custody undergoing further investigation and interrogation to ascertain their level of involvement in criminal activities and identify possible accomplices, after which they will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution accordingly.

“The Police Command assures that raid operations of identified hideouts and black spots shall be sustained to ensure a peaceful festivity and beyond, while urging members of the public to report any suspicious situation to the Police for immediate intervention.”