The Niger State Police Command has arrested 23 suspects for New Year’s Eve thuggery and armed robbery in Minna, the state capital.
The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest was part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful crossover celebration into the New Year.
He stated that Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, directed area commanders and DPOs to deploy personnel and assets to strategic locations within the city.
Acting on this directive, Abiodun stated that the DPO of the GRA Division led patrol teams, including a Crack Squad, to Fadikpe Junction and Dutsen-Kura Junction in Minna at approximately 12:45 am on January 1, 2025.
According to him, “The team encountered a group of irate thugs burning tyres and engaging in a fierce fight with dangerous weapons.”
The swift intervention of the police resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, who were found in possession of various weapons and illicit substances, including suspected cannabis, swords, knives, sticks, and stones.
Other items found with them include iron rods, charms, scissors, and tobacco.
The 23 suspects are currently under investigation at the GRA Division of the state police command and will be charged in court for prosecution, said Abiodun.
