The police in Niger State have arrested six suspects in separate operations linked to alleged murder, motorcycle theft and kidnapping.
The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He said officers from the Maikunkele Division, working with the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), arrested Mohammed Ibrahim, 25, also known as Manga, over the alleged murder of a commercial motorcyclist.
According to the police, Ibrahim, a resident of Gusasse in Bosso Local Government Area, hired Shehu Mohammed, 23, from Pai village, on 30 September to take him from Beji to Garatu village.
The police alleged that around midnight, while returning from Garatu along the Gidan-Kwano–Maikunkele road, Ibrahim conspired with two accomplices, identified as Risku and another person, to attack the rider.
“The victim was attacked and beheaded, while his new Bajaj motorcycle was taken away by the assailants,” the statement said.
Police said Ibrahim confessed during questioning and that officers recovered the stolen motorcycle and a cutlass from him. He remains in custody as efforts continue to arrest his alleged accomplices.
Five Arrested Over Kidnapping
In a separate operation, police arrested five other suspects over alleged kidnapping and ransom-related activities.
They were identified as Abubakar Mohammed, 23, also known as Sidi; Aliyu Abubakar, 25, also known as Hiri; Legi Zangara, 20; Ibrahim Abubakar, 20; and Abubakar Musa, 20.
Mohammed was arrested in Jebba on 28 September following intelligence reports linking him to kidnapping cases. Police alleged that he belonged to a gang led by a suspect known as Gide, which operates around Ibbi village and uses the Ibbi forest as a hideout. He reportedly admitted taking part in about three kidnappings in which ransoms were paid.
Aliyu Abubakar was arrested in Zugurma village on 30 September. Investigators allegedly linked him to a gang led by a man known as Batijo, operating around Gugu Forest in Kwara State. Police also alleged that he discussed plans with a person identified as Usman to collect two AK-47 rifles from another suspect, Auta, for planned kidnappings in Niger State.
Zangara was arrested near Macrean Bridge in Mashegu on 24 September. Police alleged that he belonged to a seven-member gang contracted by Dogo, who remains at large, to abduct a victim in August. The gang reportedly received ₦3.5 million in ransom before releasing the victim.
The remaining suspects, Ibrahim and Musa, were allegedly part of another kidnapping group operating near Macrean Bridge. Police said the men, who are from Kebbi State, travelled to Niger to commit crimes before returning home. They reportedly admitted involvement in a kidnapping in which ₦3 million was paid as ransom.
Police said the five suspects remain in custody and will be charged after investigations are completed.
Police Appeal for Information
The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime. He urged residents to provide credible information to help prevent crime and arrest suspects.
The allegations against all the suspects have not been tested in court.
