(10 suspected robbers . Photo Credit; Daily Post)
The Niger State Police Command has arrested ten suspected robbers and thugs in a series of intelligence-led operations across Minna, recovering dangerous weapons and suspected cannabis in the process.
In the first incident on June 4, operatives from the Tactical Support Team on routine patrol along the Kwari-Begger/Maitumbi axis spotted a group of armed youths and apprehended three suspects Sadiq Ibrahim, 25, Abdulazeez Ahmed, 25, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 26, all residents of the area. Two cutlasses and a jackknife were recovered from them.
The suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation that they had intended to rob passengers in a tricycle of their phones and other valuables.
In a separate operation on June 2, officers from the Central Police Station, working alongside vigilante members, raided criminal hideouts across the PZ area, Sabon-Gari, Abdulsalam Quarters, Tayi Village, and Seyeno.
Seven additional suspects were arrested during the raid, with two curved weapons and quantities of suspected cannabis recovered from the locations.
In another development, a suspect identified as Abubakar Alfa was arrested by operatives from the Katcha Division on June 1 after he was found in possession of a locally made pistol and a cutlass at a public function in Katcha.
He was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for carrying the weapon and has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation.
Additionally, police recovered an abandoned Volkswagen vehicle with registration number KUJ 113 SB along the Suleja-Minna Road, which had reportedly been left near Farin-Doki for three days before operatives from Paiko Division, assisted by community members, moved it to the station.
All arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the robbery syndicate and determine the circumstances surrounding the abandoned vehicle.
