Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have apprehended 27 individuals suspected of thuggery and illegal possession of dangerous weapons and illicit substances in Suleja. The arrests were made during coordinated raid operations targeting identified criminal hideouts and black spots in the Kantoma and Panteka areas.
Details of the Operation
The command's spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on May 27, 2026. He explained that the operation was part of ongoing security reinforcement measures to ensure a peaceful festive period across the state. The raids were conducted by the Tactical Support Team (TST) in collaboration with the Suleja Area Command on May 24, 2026.
The operation, which lasted from approximately 8:30 p.m. to midnight, covered the Kantoma area, Babangida Market, and Panteka, popularly referred to as “Jungle.” During the exercise, a total of 27 suspects were arrested, and several dangerous weapons and suspected illicit substances were recovered.
Items Recovered
Items recovered from the suspects include 15 mobile phones, ATM cards, suspected fake identity cards, 10 clubs locally known as “gora,” cutlasses, swords, a curved long weapon popularly called “garrio,” two axes, scissors, knives, and a bag containing suspected cannabis.
List of Suspects
At the Panteka area (Jungle), the following suspects were arrested: Haruna Idris (20), Imrana Halilu Abdullahi (20), Mohammed Isah (27), and Yusuf Surajo (22), all from Niger State; Jibrin Shehu (26), Ahmad Samaila (22), and Jamilu Idris (23), all from Katsina State. Also arrested were Auwal Ibrahim (28), Mohammed Salisu (20), Murtala Mohammed (28), Abdulshakur Mohammed (28), Jibril Abubakar (30), Hamisu Abdullahi (27), Hassan Ismail (29), Mukhtar Adam (38), Adamu Ibrahim (27), Abba Ibrahim (22), Mutawakil Usman (27), Ibrahim Adam (26), Aliyu Jibrin (28), Mohammed Bashir (30), and Zuhairu Ahmed (30), all from Kano State, alongside Salisu Dauda (22) of Yobe State.
Additionally, Auwal Isah (28) of Kaduna State, residing along Madalla Road; Suleiman Abubakar (28) of Kano State, residing around Suleja Club; and Bala Musa (25) of Kano State were arrested around the Kantoma area. Ibrahim Shuaibu (22) of Kano State was arrested at Babangida Market. All were found in possession of suspected cannabis and other illicit substances.
Next Steps
All suspects are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation and interrogation to ascertain their level of involvement in criminal activities and identify possible accomplices. Afterward, they will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for prosecution accordingly.
The police command assured that raid operations of identified hideouts and black spots will be sustained to ensure a peaceful festivity and beyond. They urged members of the public to report any suspicious situation to the police for immediate intervention.
