Police arrest 13 suspects in connection with kidnapping, robbery, possession of illegal drugs in Niger 

Police operatives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad, FID‑STS, in Niger State have arrested three young men allegedly linked to a kidnapping and armed‑robbery network that has been terrorising communities around Beji, Maikunkele and surrounding areas.

Acting on a tip‑off, officers on 16 January 2026 took into custody Mamman Bello (18), Ibrahim Adamu (20) and Umar Abubakar (25).

The command through its Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun said Bello and Adamu were captured in Ilorin, Kwara State, after intelligence showed that suspected kidnappers from Beji and Maikunkele had relocated to Ndanaku forest in Patigi and were regrouping under a leader known as “Batugo.”

He explained that during interrogation, Adamu said he joined the group from Beji, while Bello admitted he entered from Ogbomosho.

” Both confessed to multiple kidnapping operations and revealed plans to abduct another victim in the city before they were caught, ” Abiodun state.

However, he disclosed that Umar Abubakar was arrested in Garatu for his role in an armed robbery in Beji several months earlier, when he and accomplices invaded a home, stealing two mobile phones and a motorcycle.

“He confessed to the crime and named his co‑conspirators to include Wode, Black, Mohammed, and one other. He also said the motorcycle was sold for ₦600,000 at Tunga‑Mallam with the proceeds shared. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members, “Abiodun stated.

In a separate operation, the PRO also revealed that police from the Sarkin‑Pawa Division carried out sting raids on known black spots between 19 and 22 January 2026, resulting in the arrest of ten suspects.

He disclosed that eight of them, including Mubarak Aliyu (35), Abubakar Idris (24), Kabiru Aliyu (26), Sabiu Mohammed (25), Abubakar Mustapha (26), Aminu Aliyu (20), Anas Magaji (19) and Hakilu Haruna (20) were found with Tramadol tablets and about 30 wraps of suspected cannabis and admitted to selling and using the drugs.

The spokesman further added that two others, Danjuma Jagaba (35) and Alka Samari (38), were detained for criminal intimidation and causing grievous hurt.

All thirteen suspects have been charged and are awaiting court proceedings.

Police arrest 13 suspects in connection with kidnapping, robbery, possession of illegal drugs in Niger