Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Niger State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects in connection with a series of violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping, while also dismantling a syndicate that operated under the guise of a vigilante group to terrorise residents. The arrests, announced by the command's spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, in a crime bulletin on Thursday, September 3, 2026, come after weeks of intelligence gathering and swift operational responses across the state. The suspects include members of a fake "Yansakai" vigilante group, as well as individuals linked to the brutal stabbing death of a 35-year-old man in Minna, the state capital. The arrests underscore the deepening security crisis in Niger State, where criminal networks have increasingly adopted the camouflage of legitimate security outfits to perpetrate heinous crimes.
According to police reports, one of the most shocking revelations from the investigation is the emergence of a seven-man syndicate that disguised itself as a Yansakai vigilante group to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations. The suspects, identified as Alhassan Tanko, 25; Basiru Shaibu, 26; and Ishaya Umar, 28, all from Beri in Mariga Local Government Area, were arrested on August 23, 2026, following intelligence that the group was operating in Uraga village. During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they formed a syndicate under the guise of a vigilante group for the purpose of kidnapping and armed robbery. They also admitted to killing at least three innocent victims within Mariga LGA during their kidnapping escapades, stealing their motorcycles, and selling them to a receiver identified as Awalu of Beri. A search of their residences led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, while efforts to arrest Awalu and other fleeing members of the gang are ongoing.
The police also arrested six suspects in connection with the murder of Nafiu Mohammed, a 35-year-old resident of the Sabon-Titi area of Maitumbi in Minna. According to the police, Mohammed was attacked and stabbed to death on August 25, 2026, at about 6:45 p.m. His body was rushed to a nearby medical facility where he was confirmed dead. Following the incident, operatives attached to the Maitumbi Division swiftly moved into action, leading to the arrest of Emmanuel Moses, 25; Lukman Mohammed, 25; Abdullahi Mohammed, 19; Sani Ibrahim, 18; Abdullahi Yusuf, also known as Challo, 22; and Adamu Isyaku, 20, all from behind Maitumbi Primary School. One of the suspects, Sani Ibrahim, was arrested with a long cutlass. During interrogation, the suspects mentioned another gang member, Muhammad Sani, as the one responsible for the death of the victim. A manhunt has been launched to arrest him, while the six suspects are currently in custody for conspiracy and thuggery.
The arrest of the fake vigilante group has exposed a disturbing trend in Niger State, where criminal elements have taken advantage of the breakdown of law and order to masquerade as protectors while preying on vulnerable communities. The Yansakai vigilante groups, which were originally formed to complement the efforts of security agencies in combating banditry and kidnapping, have increasingly been infiltrated by criminals who exploit the trust of local communities to carry out their nefarious activities. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, stressing that the command will not tolerate any form of criminality, regardless of the guise under which it is perpetrated.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that it is intensifying efforts to arrest other members of the fake vigilante gang and bring them to justice. The command's spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that a manhunt is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and their accomplices. He also reiterated the command's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state. The arrests were made possible through credible intelligence and the cooperation of community members, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the police and the public in tackling insecurity. As the investigation continues, the police have called on residents to provide timely information that could assist in apprehending the remaining suspects.
In a related development, the police arrested a 25-year-old man, Nazifi Adamu, during a Maulud celebration in Minna. Adamu, a resident of Angwan-Limawa, was arrested by officers attached to the Central Police Station, Minna, at the New Market Junction on August 25. The police said the suspect was found with 10 packs of suspected Colorado cannabis, four cards of Rophynol tablets, and one sachet of suspected methamphetamine, also known as "ice." He allegedly told investigators that he brought the substances from Kuta to sell during the Maulud celebration in Minna. The police said further investigation would be conducted to determine the source of the substances before the suspect is prosecuted. Additionally, a suspected motorcycle thief, Abdulkarim Yunusa, was arrested in Tafa Local Government Area of Kaduna State after he allegedly converted a Bajaj motorcycle entrusted to him for his personal use and absconded. He was traced and arrested with the motorcycle and charged to court, while the recovered motorcycle was released to its rightful owner.
The arrest of the 12 suspects and the uncovering of the fake Yansakai vigilante syndicate mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in Niger State. However, the revelations also underscore the systemic challenges facing security agencies in a state that has become a hotspot for banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. The police have vowed to sustain the momentum of their operations and ensure that all those involved in criminal activities are brought to book. As the investigation continues, the public is urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and order to the state. The Niger State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents, and warned that anyone found to be involved in criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law.
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