Vigilantes Apprehend Village Head Over Alleged Involvement in Banditry in Niger State

Local vigilantes, in collaboration with police operatives, have arrested the village head of Guiwa, Mallam Garba Mohammed, for alleged involvement in banditry activities in Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State and surrounding communities.

The arrest took place around 9 a.m. on Friday, following credible intelligence reports linking him to criminal activities. He was apprehended alongside 13 other suspects.

According to local sources, the village head allegedly used his residence as a hideout where bandits regularly convened to plan their operations.

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The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests during a briefing in Minna. He said the development was part of an ongoing clearance operation aimed at dismantling bandit and kidnapper hideouts in the Mashegu area.

“On May 22, 2025, police operatives and vigilante members conducted clearance operations in some identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Mashegu LGA, particularly in Magaman-Daji forest and its environs. During the operation, many suspected kidnappers fled, while others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

“On May 23, at about 9 a.m., the team continued the operation in Guiwa and Telle villages based on credible intelligence. The Mai-Angwan (village head) of Guiwa, Mallam Garba Mohammed, was arrested for allegedly harbouring and aiding bandits. His house was reportedly used as a hideout, and four motorcycles and ten cattle were recovered from his custody,” Abiodun stated.

He added that 13 others were arrested in various parts of Mashegu LGA for similar offences. All suspects are currently being interrogated, and investigations are ongoing to determine their specific roles in the banditry activities.

While the police did not officially release the names of the other suspects, counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama identified them as:

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

A resident of New Bussa also confirmed the arrest of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, alongside five others from Lumma in Borgu LGA.


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