The Zone 7 Police Command has announced the arrest and parade of 13 suspects for various criminal offenses, including kidnapping, armed robbery, gun-running, and illegal possession of firearms.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 7, Ben Igweh, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized that the operation aligns with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to reduce crime in 2025 and ensure the safety and security of residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and surrounding areas.
Breakthroughs and Arrests
1. Criminal Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, and Kidnapping
Four suspects were arrested in connection with armed robbery and kidnapping operations across Tafa, Gurara, and Suleja Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Suspects:
- Yahaya Audu (30), leader of the gang, from Maje, Niger State
- Tanko Yerima (25), from Gurara, Niger State
- Joseph Danjuma (30), from Furushe, Niger State
- Umar Abubakar (30), from Tafa, Niger State
Exhibits Recovered:
- One fabricated AK-47 rifle
- One fabricated Beretta pistol
- One locally made pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition
- Three cartridges
- Machete
- Military camouflage hat and boots
The gang confessed to orchestrating multiple kidnapping and robbery operations. Their most recent crime involved abducting a Fulani man in Tafa LGA, for which they demanded a ransom of ₦500,000.
2. Criminal Conspiracy and Trafficking of Stolen Motorcycles
Three suspects were arrested for their involvement in stealing and selling motorcycles, which were used to finance criminal activities in Niger and Kaduna States.
Suspects:
- Shamsuddeen Yunusa (30), leader, from Adamawa State
- Zaharadeen Saidu (25), courier, from Kaduna State
- Mustapha Haruna (22), mechanic, from Adamawa State
Exhibits Recovered:
- 22 stolen motorcycles
- Various master keys
- Stolen mobile phones
The suspects admitted to selling stolen motorcycles to individuals believed to be linked to Boko Haram in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.
3. Possession of Prohibited Firearms and Cattle Rustling
Two individuals were apprehended in possession of firearms suspected to be used for cattle rustling.
Suspects:
- Nasiru Saidu, from Niger State
- Adamu Abdullahi, from Katsina State
Exhibits Recovered:
- One locally fabricated pistol
- Two Dane guns
Investigations revealed that the firearms were purchased for criminal activities, including rustling cattle in local communities.
4. Stolen Electric Transformers
Three suspects were arrested with 13 electric transformers believed to have been stolen from various locations.
Suspects:
- Daniel Amedu (43), from Edo State
- Kelechi Okorafor, from Imo State
- Joseph Chikwandu (40), from Enugu State
The suspects claimed some of the transformers were brought in for repairs. However, preliminary investigations revealed only three were legitimately acquired.
5. Armed Robbery and Kidnapping in Benue State
A suspect, Sunday Danlami (40), was arrested for his role in multiple armed robbery and kidnapping operations, including the abduction of 21 doctors in Benue State in 2024.
Exhibits and Confessions:
- Danlami admitted to selling a rifle to a retired soldier for ₦25,000 and confessed to using charms for protection during his operations.
Police Reassurance
The Zone 7 Command reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order across the FCT, Niger State, and neighboring regions. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly.
The AIG commended the operatives for their diligence and expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation in combating crime.