Police raid criminal hotspots, arrest 21 suspected thugs, recover weapons in Niger

In Niger, the Minna Police Command has ramped up its efforts to combat criminal activity, leading to the arrest of 21 suspected thugs and the seizure of dangerous weapons. The crackdown targeted high-risk areas across the state through coordinated operations by the Kpakungu and Chanchaga divisions.

On August 24, officers from Kpakungu Division conducted a nighttime raid in Angwan-Kanawa, apprehending six individuals, including juveniles Sani Ibrahim, Abdulkareem Hassan, Salmanu Ishaq, Nasiru Mukhtar, Suleiman Yusuf, and Abdulsalam Shuaibu. These suspects were seized with suspected cannabis, a cutlass, scissors, and other illicit items.

Three days later, on August 27, a separate operation in Marikichi resulted in the arrest of three more suspects - Ibrahim Mohammed, Mustapha Abdulkadir, and Mustapha Mohammed. The latter allegedly used a cutlass to severely injure Ibrahim Mohammed during a fight, requiring medical attention. All three were charged with various offenses.

The most recent raid took place on September 1, when Chanchaga Division agents stormed several known criminal hotspots around Angwan-Dakoko, Angwan-Kwakwa, and Angwan-Gwari early in the morning. Twelve individuals were taken into custody, among them Victor Solomon, known as Tumbeleke, who was found in possession of a sharp dagger, and Osama Saidu Baushe, 17, who had a sharp sword. Both remain in police custody for further investigation and potential prosecution.