Bandits arms supplier arrested in Niger

The police in Niger State have arrested one 31-year-old Umar Shehu for supplying arms and ammunition to bandits and terrorists in Niger, Kaduna and Katsina states.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, said that, Shehu, an indigene of Bakori in Funtua LGA of Katsina State, was arrested at Dikko Junction in Gurara LGA.

Abiodun said the suspect confessed during interrogation to have supplied arms and ammunition to bandits in Madaki Forest, Katsina; Ganai camp in Maidaro Forest, Kaduna; and a syndicate member terrorising Kwamba/Maje area of Suleja.

He further said the suspect confessed to have purchased arms from one Abdulmani from Taraba State who was neutralised in Kaduna by an FIB squad earlier this year, adding that he got N100,000 from every 500 ammunition he delivered to any bandits’ camp.

Also, the police in the state have arrested one 30-year-old Nasiru Musa, suspected to be an informant to bandits who have been terrorising Tegina town in Rafi LGA.

Abiodun said the suspect, who was arrested alongside six others, was responsible for the kidnapping of four people and killing two of them in Tegina.

He further said, “It would be recalled that on 14/11/2021 at about 2000hrs, bandits invaded Tegina town, Rafi LGA, shooting sporadically and abducted four persons: one Aminu Garba and three others into Kagara Forest.

“Unfortunately, two of the victims, Aminu Garba and one other, were killed by the kidnappers after collecting a ransom of N13m.

“On 29/08/2022, based on technical intelligence, one Nasiru Musa (30) was arrested in Tegina in connection with the crime.”

The police spokesperson said during interrogation the suspect confessed to have conspired with one Lelwi, presently at large, who connected him with one Gwaskan-Daji, also at large, and several others to kidnap the victims.

The suspect, who claimed to have benefitted N200,000 from the crime’s proceeds, also said  he was planning to kidnap the Chairman of Rafi LGA before his arrest.