Niger Police Crackdown: 147 Suspects Nabbed, Arms and Cannabis Seized

In a bid to tackle rising crime rates, the Niger State Police Command has embarked on a series of raids, resulting in the arrest of 147 suspects. The operation, which was carried out in various parts of the state, including Suleja and Minna, was led by the Command's Vigilance, Community Relations and Intelligence Unit. According to the police, the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, thuggery, and possession of dangerous weapons. The police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, revealed that the operation was launched following a recent violent rally in Suleja, where some miscreants were spotted with dangerous weapons. The Commissioner of Police, Adam Elleman, had deployed the Vigilance Unit to Suleja on August 4 to conduct sting operations at identified blackspots. The team, acting on actionable intelligence, arrested 139 suspects in Suleja and neighbouring areas, including Madalla, Kwata, and Bakin-Ruwa. The suspects were subsequently screened, and 64 were found to be in possession of large quantities of suspected cannabis, dangerous weapons, and other incriminating items. The 64 suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court in Suleja on allegations including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and possession of dangerous weapons. In a separate operation, the police arrested eight suspects in Minna, including Ashiru Sirajo, Aminu Mahmud, and Dadi Suleiman, who were found with a long flexible cutlass, two big clubs, and a shovel. The police also arrested four other suspects in Maitumbi, who were allegedly found with illicit substances and shisha pots. The command said the operations were part of its efforts to maintain security and tackle criminal activities across Niger State.