Four Suspected Kidnappers Nabbed With Guns in Niger, Cement Theft Foiled In Separate Operation

Police operatives in Niger State have arrested four individuals accused of kidnapping, with firearms recovered during their capture in Rijau Local Government Area. The state’s police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, announced the arrest in a statement on Monday. He said the suspects—Shehu Mohammed, 35; Mamman Sani; Daudu Mohammed, 37; and Jibrin Ahmodu—were taken into custody on April 12 by officers from the Rijau Division.

Security personnel reportedly found two locally made pistols and a Dane gun in their possession. Preliminary findings indicated the group had abducted a woman from Angwan-Gwanda village in Rijau about a month earlier. The victim, who eventually escaped, identified one of the suspects, which helped the police track down the rest.



“The suspects have admitted to their involvement and are currently being investigated. They will be charged in court once the process is complete,” Abiodun stated. In a separate development, officers intercepted a trailer loaded with 900 bags of cement at Garima Junction, Bosso.

The goods, valued at over N9 million, were reportedly diverted from their original destination in Maiduguri, Borno State. A suspect arrested during the operation claimed to be the motor boy of the truck, which was allegedly driven by one Ibrahim Yusuf, now on the run. The suspect confessed that they had conspired to divert and sell the goods before abandoning the vehicle.

Following his arrest, the motor boy was prosecuted on April 9 for criminal conspiracy and theft. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison without the option of a fine. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the driver at large.

The police added that the truck and its contents were returned to the rightful company after a court order..