By Femi Osinusi
The Niger State Police Command has announced a series of arrests across the state, ranging from a multi-billion-naira theft at Kainji power plant to a disturbing case of child kidnapping and murder.
₦4.8bn Power Plant Theft
Police said twelve security staff attached to the Kainji power plant are in custody for allegedly conspiring with scrap dealers to vandalize and steal metals and beams valued at over ₦4.8 billion.
The suspects, led by security supervisor Shaibu Abu Sufyan, 35, and his colleague Ibrahim Musa, 31, reportedly worked with scrap dealers in Nasarawa village, Mashegu Local Government, to cut and transport stolen materials between 2023 and 2025. Investigators said the syndicate used acetylene gas and trucks to move the items, which were later sold to companies in Lagos, Kwara, and Osun states.
Bank records revealed transactions worth more than ₦24 million between the security staff and scrap dealer Musa Khalid. Police say efforts are underway to arrest the dealers and other accomplices.
Fake Kidnap Scheme Uncovered
In a separate case, two young men were arrested after allegedly staging a fake kidnap in Minna. The suspects – Ahmed Alh. Bura, 21, from Bauchi State, and Shafiu Ibrahim, 22, from Makujeri – were accused of demanding ₦7 million ransom from their colleagues after disappearing during a car drifting show.
Police said the duo conspired to create panic while posing as victim and abductor. They were tracked and arrested at Shafiu’s residence in Makujeri. Both remain in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will face prosecution.
10-Year-Old Boy Killed by Kidnappers
Tragedy struck in Kwana-Mariga after police uncovered the fate of 10-year-old Yaseer Mustapha, who was abducted in July. His guardian had initially paid ₦100,000 ransom without reporting to police, followed by another ₦10,000 payment, but the boy was never released.
Investigations led to the arrest of Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi, 32, and Abdulnafiu Usman, 18, who confessed to killing the child and burying him in an uncompleted building. Police recovered the decomposed body, which has since been released to the family for burial. The suspects have been charged to court.
Motorcycle Theft Ring Busted
On September 23, police patrol operatives in Kontagora intercepted two men on a motorcycle carrying dismantled parts in a sack. The suspects – Jibril Musa, 24, and Ahmed Tiamiyu – confessed to stealing and dismantling a Bajaj motorcycle for resale. They later named Elijah Ochoba, 20, as an accomplice. All three are in custody.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the Command remains committed to tackling crime in the state and urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
