Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Police in Niger State have apprehended a long‑fleeing suspect wanted for the killing of a local vigilante member in an incident dating back to 2024, authorities and official sources report. The arrest marks a significant development in ongoing efforts by security forces in Minna to bring suspects linked to violent crimes and armed robbery to justice.
The suspect, identified as Sudais Zakari of Angwan‑Roka, Minna, was taken into custody on the night of 7 February 2026 during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Police Command. Police operatives from the Maitumbi Division, supported by members of a local vigilante group, executed targeted raids on known criminal hideouts in the Maitumbi area of the state capital. Zakari was arrested alongside another suspect, Danjuma Idris of Maitumbi, who was detained on suspicion of robbery.
According to the police public relations officer, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, Zakari had been at large since April 2024 when he allegedly murdered Ibrahim Yahaya, also known as Danladi Baushe — a member of a community vigilante outfit in Maitumbi. The killing triggered a manhunt that extended for nearly two years, during which Kanzari was believed to have been evading arrest across various locations within the state.
Abiodun’s statement indicates that after fleeing the scene of the alleged homicide, Zakari is suspected of involvement in multiple armed robbery incidents in related areas during 2025. Preliminary investigations revealed patterns of criminal conduct attributed to him, though formal charges remain pending as further inquiries are conducted. Police said that Danjuma Idris was found in possession of items commonly associated with breaking and entering, including a bolt cutter, machete, screwdriver, pliers, a bunch of keys, a face cap, and a bag believed to contain stolen property.
In explaining the circumstances of the arrests, the Niger State Police Command spokesman noted that the operation was part of a broader initiative to suppress violent crime and armed robbery across the state. He emphasised that law enforcement is intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks that have contributed to insecurity in urban and peri‑urban communities. “All suspects are under further investigation and they will be charged to court after the investigation,” Abiodun stated.
Additional police activity reported in the same sweep included the interception and arrest of another individual, Aji Gana, by the Operation Flush patrol team in the Maitumbi area on 8 February 2026. Items recovered from Gana during the arrest included a cutlass, pliers, screwdriver, two mobile phones, and a bunch of keys, which police also described as suspected stolen property. These arrests reflect a concerted effort by security forces to target a range of criminal elements, including thieves and violent offenders operating in central Niger State.
The arrest of Zakari follows a pattern of similar operations by the Nigeria Police Force in recent months, as security agencies seek to rein in rising rates of violent crime and ensure that long‑wanted suspects are brought to justice. In addition to this case, police in the state have executed other operations resulting in the rescue of kidnapping victims and the apprehension of suspects linked to abduction attempts and attacks on residents, illustrating an uptick in enforcement activity against organised criminality.
Sources within Niger State policing circles have described the Maitumbi area as a persistent flashpoint for armed robbery and other serious offending, highlighting challenges related to criminal hideouts and the mobility of suspects across neighbourhoods. The collaboration between police operatives and vigilante groups in the recent operation underscores the complex dynamics in regional security efforts, where community‑based informants and local security volunteers often support formal law enforcement objectives.
The broader context of this arrest aligns with national security priorities articulated by the Nigeria Police Force, where tactical deployments and intelligence‑led operations are increasingly used to disrupt criminal networks and recover stolen property. Officials have reiterated commitments to pursue suspects irrespective of how long they evade capture, emphasising the importance of evidence collection, forensic analysis, and procedural justice in prosecuting serious crimes.
While formal judicial proceedings against Zakari and his co‑suspects have not yet commenced, the police have indicated that all detained individuals will be charged in court following completion of investigative steps. Legal experts note that timely processing of such cases is critical not only for securing convictions but also for reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement institutions tasked with upholding safety and the rule of law in communities across Nigeria.
As of the latest updates, the Niger State Police Command continues to maintain heightened operational readiness and is encouraging residents to report suspicious activities to authorities to support ongoing efforts in combating violence, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality.
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