The Niger State command of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with two major crimes: the multi-billion naira theft and vandalism at the Kainji Power Plant, and a staged kidnap designed to extort ₦7 million.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.

According to police, the first case began on August 11, 2025, when Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd lodged a complaint about large-scale theft at the Kainji Power Plant.

“An inspection at the navigation lock yard of the Kainji power plant revealed that some navigation lock metals and beams worth billions were vandalised and carted away by unknown persons. Following this, two supervisors at the plant were arrested and transferred to SCID Minna,” The PUNCH quoted Abiodun as saying.

Suspects in Kainji Plant Theft

The suspects, Shaibu Abu Sufyan (35) and Ibrahim Musa (31), initially denied involvement. However, Abu Sufyan later confessed, implicating 10 other security personnel under his supervision.

Those named include: Zayyanu Musa, Jibrin Abdullahi, Hassan Musa, Micah Adamu, Attahiru Umar, Abdulrahman Usman, Ismaila Ibrahim, Mubarak Husseini, Adamu Abubakar, and Abdullahi Abubakar (aka Zuma).

Police said investigations revealed the group conspired with scrap dealers, Musa Khalid, Abah Khalid, and Abdullahi of Nasarawa village, Mashegu LGA, who provided heavy equipment, used acetylene gas to cut metals into transportable sizes, and moved them in trucks, mostly at night and on weekends.

“These criminal activities have been ongoing since 2023. So far, ₦12.5 million transactions were traced between Abu Sufyan and one of the dealers, while ₦11.5 million was linked to Ibrahim Musa. The stolen items were sold to companies in Lagos, Kwara, and Osun States,” Abiodun stated.

The Command confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the scrap dealers and other collaborators still at large.

Staged Kidnap For ₦7 Million Ransom

In another development, police uncovered a fake kidnapping plot hatched by two young men in Minna.

The case, reported as a kidnapping at the Tudun-Wada Division on September 2, 2025, led to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of 21 SIM cards linked to fraudulent online activities disguised as a network marketing outfit called Quest Int’l Company.

Using technical intelligence, police tracked and arrested the supposed kidnap victim, Ahmed Alh. Bura (21), of Bauchi State, and his alleged abductor, Shafiu Ibrahim (22), of Makujeri, on September 17, 2025.

“Findings indicated that both suspects attended a car drifting event at the Mandela area and conspired to disappear afterwards. They demanded a ransom of ₦7 million from their colleagues in the guise of a kidnapping,” police explained.

Both suspects are now in SCID custody in Minna and will face charges in court along with others arrested earlier.

The Niger Police Command vowed to intensify its clampdown on economic saboteurs and fraudsters who exploit insecurity for financial gain.

Abiodun stressed that those caught would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

“The Command will not relent in fishing out those bent on undermining national assets or preying on innocent citizens through deceit and fraud,” he said.