Niger State Police Crack Down on Criminal Activity
The Niger State Police Command has apprehended multiple suspects linked to a variety of crimes, including cultism, theft, and criminal conspiracy involving weapons possession. These actions illustrate the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat rising criminality in the region.
Arrest of Cult Member During Patrol
In a recent announcement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wasiu Abiodun, it was revealed that on April 22, 2026, at around 2 a.m., police operatives from the “B” division of Bida arrested a suspect named Agada Isaac, also known as “Tealight.” The arrest took place during a routine patrol near the Federal Polytechnic in Bida.
Authorities reported that Isaac attracted suspicion when he was seen approaching a police checkpoint on a motorbike but fled upon noticing officers. Following a pursuit, he was apprehended. A search of Isaac revealed a Beretta pistol, leading to a subsequent investigation at his residence where law enforcement found military camouflage attire and additional items.
Cult Affiliations and Weapons Procurement
During interrogation, Isaac admitted to his involvement with a cult group known as the “Vikings.” He also disclosed that he purchased the firearm from an individual named Gideon, or “Starboy,” for N300,000. The suspect, who claims to work as a campus photographer, noted that a friend had gifted him the camouflage gear. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts to locate Gideon and any potential accomplices.
Theft of Livestock in Gatatu
In another incident reported at around 3 a.m. on April 21, 2026, two suspects identified as Talba and Suleiman allegedly broke into a residence in Gatatu, stealing a cow valued at N1 million. The animal was subsequently taken to Anthony Ahmed’s residence, where it was slaughtered and sold to Aisha Shuaib.
Following the report, operatives from the State Intelligence Agency (SID) apprehended Ahmed and Shuaib, who were found with parts of the stolen cow. While both suspects confessed, Shuaib contended that she purchased the cow for N350,000. Law enforcement continues to pursue any remaining suspects.
Investigations Following Cattle Rustling Incident
On April 11, 2026, at approximately 7 a.m., authorities received reports of an armed attack on a camp in the Tagwai Dam area of Chanchaga that resulted in four cows being rustled. A specialized police task force launched an investigation. Acting on a tip-off, they tracked the culprits to the Lapai forest, where a confrontation ensued, causing the suspects to flee and abandon the stolen livestock.
The four cows were recovered and returned to their rightful owners, while the search for the fleeing suspects remains active.
Interception of Truck Transporting Contraband
In a separate operation on April 25, 2026, at around 2 a.m., police received intelligence regarding a truck, registered as GRZ 483-XA and driven by Mohammed Yusuf from Kaduna State, transporting significant quantities of engine oil and hydraulic fluid from Lagos to Abuja. The vehicle was ultimately intercepted at Lambata.
The truck was carrying 50 25-liter jerry cans, along with 400 cartons and 99 drums of engine oil, and 400 jerry cans of hydraulic fluid, with plans to reroute these products to Kano State. Following the interception, law enforcement arrested three suspects, including Abdulrahman Ibrahim (30) and Sadiq Umar (29), both from Kaduna State, along with Abubakar Isa (34) from Lagos State.
All suspects have been transferred to the Minna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further scrutiny as authorities continue to coordinate with the relevant companies involved.
