Police Nab Village Head, 13 Others Over Banditry In Niger State
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Niger State Police Command has arrested the village head of Guiwa, Mallam Garba Mohammed, along with thirteen others, for allegedly aiding and abetting criminal elements operating in Mashegu Local Government Area.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated clearance operations by police operatives in collaboration with local vigilante groups. These operations targeted known bandit hideouts in the Magaman-Daji forest and surrounding communities.
Launched on May 22, 2025, the operations prompted several suspected kidnappers to flee, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.
According to police sources, the operation continued into May 23, when officers, acting on credible intelligence, raided Guiwa and Telle villages. During the operation, Mallam Garba Mohammed, the Mai-Angwan (village head) of Guiwa, was taken into custody for allegedly harboring bandits. Authorities claim his residence served as a safe haven for criminal elements.
Security forces also recovered four motorcycles and ten cattle, suspected to have been stolen, from his premises.
Thirteen additional suspects were apprehended from various locations across Mashegu LGA for their suspected roles in supporting the bandits. All are currently undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.
The Niger State Police Command reiterated its commitment to eradicating criminal activities across the state and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
