Police Smash Thuggery Syndicate in Minna, Arrest 32 Suspects Including Kingpins, Jailbreak Escapee
The Niger State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on criminality, arresting thirty-two suspected miscreants, including three notorious kingpins and an escaped inmate, during coordinated operations across Minna, the state capital.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, said the operation reflects his administration’s resolve to rid the state of thuggery, phone snatching, robbery, and other violent crimes.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Minna on Friday. He explained that operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, stormed several criminal hideouts across Minna metropolis.
The areas raided included Limawa, Makera, Kwangila, Central Roundabout, Railway Station, Ogbomosho Street, Abdulsalam Quarters, PZ Area, Angwan-Kaje, New Market, Sabon-Gari, Kuta Road, and Angwan-Sarki.
Among those arrested was Jemilu Usman (19), a.k.a. Pabore, a notorious suspect wanted for attempted culpable homicide in Tayi village; Abdulraheem Tasiu, a.k.a. Tsoho Papalo, of PZ area; and Abdulmajid Abubakar (25), a.k.a. Gaye, recently released from prison but arrested again with a cutlass.
Also apprehended was Mohammed Yahaya (35), of Angwan-Sarki, confirmed to be one of the inmates who escaped during the last jailbreak after being convicted of homicide.
Items recovered from the suspects included several wraps of cannabis, shisha pots, cutlasses, and other illicit substances. DSP Abiodun noted that investigations are ongoing, while arrangements are being made to return the recaptured escapee to the correctional facility.
In a related development, police operatives arrested two suspected transformer vandals in Minna, two motorcycle snatchers in Suleja, and recovered a locally fabricated revolver in Daza, Kafin Koro area of Paikoro Local Government Area.
The Police Command reiterated its determination to intensify operations against criminals in the state and urged residents to support security agencies with timely information.