Village Head And 13 Others Arrested For Aiding Banditry In Niger State

Security personnel in Niger State have detained the village head of Guiwa along with 13 other individuals for allegedly assisting and supporting armed bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Sources revealed that the arrests occurred on May 23, 2025, during a sustained clearance operation conducted by a combined team of police officers, hunters, and local vigilantes targeting bandits’ camps and hideouts in Guiwa and Telle villages.

The village head, Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed, was taken into custody on reasonable suspicion of offering shelter and logistical assistance to the bandits.

The other individuals arrested are residents from various surrounding communities suspected of collaborating with the criminals.

Those detained include Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Borgu LGA; Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo; Musa Mohammed of Telle village; Mohammed Abubakar of Dukku, Rijau LGA; Molema Aliyu of Pallagi; Oro Abubakar of Arera; Shehu Alhaji Ardo of Adogon Mallam; Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi, all of Lumma; Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo; and Babuga Saidu of Lumma.

During a search of the village head’s residence, security operatives seized four motorcycles, one live cartridge, and ten cattle believed to have been stolen by the bandits.

Three of the cattle, which were injured, were slaughtered to prevent further suffering.

The Niger State Police Command stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out all collaborators who facilitate banditry in the state.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli