RismadarVoice Reporters
March 1, 2026
The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspected cattle rustlers, recovered 42 sheep in separate operations across the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement obtained on Sunday, noting that the arrests were made following credible intelligence.
According to him, operatives attached to the Crack Squad intercepted and arrested the suspects on February 24 at about 6:00p.m.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Musa, 23, of Maito village via Lemu; Muhammed Ibeto, 20, of Kara via Jebba; Bello Saidu, 20, of Kara via Jebba; and Abubakar Alhaji, 20, also of Kara via Jebba.
Abiodun said the arrests followed a tip-off that the suspects were sighted around Raba forest via Mokwa with suspected rustled animals.
“Police operatives swung into action, trailed the suspects along the Jebba-Mokwa road. Four among the syndicate were arrested, while others escaped into the forest,” he said.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to rustling the sheep from Salihu village via Mokwa and mentioned other members of the gang.
The police spokesman added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, while the 42 recovered sheep had been claimed by their rightful owner.
Vehicle Loaded with Suspected Stolen Minerals Intercepted
In a related development, the command said it intercepted a Ford vehicle with registration number MNA 909 LD on February 23, 2026, at about 10:00p.m. at the City Gate area of Minna.
The vehicle was reportedly loaded with 10 bags of zircon monazite suspected to have been stolen.
“On intercepting the vehicle, the driver abandoned the car and took to his heels, while preliminary findings indicated that the items were stolen from an industrial company along Bida Road. Further investigation is ongoing,” the statement added.
Suspect Arrested Over Alleged Motorcycle Theft, Attempted Homicide
In another incident, the police arrested a suspect over the alleged theft of a motorcycle and attempted homicide in Bida.
The incident occurred on February 19, 2026, at about 7:30p.m., when two men, Ibrahim Ahmed Musa and Ndagi Mohammed Jibril, both of Area One, Bida, boarded a motorcycle from the Cool Spot area to Ndayako Primary School, Bida.
Abiodun said that upon reaching the back of the school, the suspects forced the rider to stop.
“One of the passengers, Ibrahim Ahmed Musa, used a pestle to hit the rider on the head. The rider became dizzy, fell, while the suspects attempted to escape with the motorcycle,” he stated.
The rider reportedly raised an alarm, attracting residents who chased the suspects. Ibrahim Ahmed Musa was arrested with the motorcycle, while his accomplice, Ndagi Mohammed, escaped.
The suspect is currently in custody at the ‘A’ Division, Bida, for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.
