The Niger State Police Command has arrested several suspects linked to assassination plots, thuggery, drug cultivation, illegal immigration, and attempted culpable homicide across the state.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts by the Commissioner of Police to clamp down on violent crime and other vices.

According to Abiodun, two suspected assassins were arrested on August 23 at the railway crossing, Beji, in Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government.

He said, “A locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a sum of thirteen thousand naira were recovered from the suspects, identified as Muhammad Mohammed, 40, and Mohammed Usman, 35.”

During interrogation, the suspects confessed they had been hired by one “Dogo” to assassinate a man who married his ex-wife. They claimed Dogo initially paid them ₦13,000 for transport and agreed to pay ₦100,000 for the job.

The duo have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dogo.

Anti-Thuggery Squad Raid In Minna

In another operation, the Command’s Anti-Thuggery Squad stormed Soje A, Soje B, and Kpakungu areas of Minna between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on August 26, arresting nine suspects aged 14 to 27.

Recovered items included two suspected stolen solar batteries, five knives, cutlasses, and a digger.

“All suspects are under investigation in SCID Minna,” Abiodun confirmed.

On August 27, police operatives in Shiroro arrested 28-year-old Mustapha Saleh of Zumba for cultivating cannabis.

“Saleh and his accomplice, Shuaibu, were caught harvesting cannabis leaves in their compound. Two bags of the substance were recovered,” the police said, adding that the suspect had been moved to SCID Minna for prosecution.

Illegal Immigrants, Woman Held For Violence

The Command also disclosed that two suspected illegal immigrants from Senegal, Saidu Jah and Sirinjuf Jibrin, both 25, were arrested in Minna on August 21.

Abiodun stated, “They could only speak French and failed to provide a satisfactory account of themselves. They have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.”

In another case, a woman identified as Hadiza Bala, alias Mama Sabir, was arrested for pouring hot water on her neighbour during a quarrel over children’s faeces.

The statement noted, “The victim sustained serious burns on her face and chest. The suspect was arrested and charged to court for attempted culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt.”

Abiodun assured residents that the Command would intensify operations against violent crime.

He added, “We are intensifying our fight against criminal elements and urge members of the public to continue to provide useful information to aid police operations.”