Security operatives in Niger State have arrested the village head of Guiwa and 13 other individuals for allegedly aiding and abetting armed bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources said that the arrests were made on May 23, 2025, during an ongoing clearance operation by a joint 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 apprehended on reasonable suspicion of providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits.
The others arrested are residents from various nearby communities suspected of collaboration with the criminals.
Those arrested 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 recovered 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 said investigations into the matter are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to rooting out all collaborators who facilitate banditry in the state.
