The Niger State Police Command has arrested an escaped inmate from the Suleja Correctional Centre, along with members of an armed robbery syndicate operating within the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Thursday, October 23, 2025. He said the escapee, Jemilu Ibrahim, had fled custody following the April 23, 2024 prison wall collapse caused by heavy rainfall, which led to the escape of 118 inmates.

According to Abiodun, police operatives attached to the “B” Division, Suleja, apprehended Jemilu during a routine patrol on October 15, 2025, along the Suleja–Madalla Road.

“The team intercepted one Jemilu Ibrahim of Timber-shed area, Kwata Madalla, in possession of illicit substances and suspected stolen items including ATM cards and mobile phones,” Abiodun said.

Further investigation revealed that Jemilu had been serving a jail term for armed robbery before the jailbreak. He has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for onward return to the correctional facility.

In a related development, police operatives arrested another suspect, Lukman Umar, aged 23, who was caught attempting to escape after eating at a food stall without payment. A mob had nearly lynched him before officers intervened around Kantoma Bridge, Suleja, on October 19, 2025.

During interrogation, Lukman confessed to being part of a robbery syndicate involved in stealing vehicles, motorcycles, and phones in the area. He also named his accomplices as Saifullahi Ibrahim (34), Lawali, Garba, and Ayuba.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Saifullahi Ibrahim at his residence in Dakwa, where police recovered three locally fabricated revolver guns and two knives.

The suspects allegedly disguised themselves as community vigilante members to avoid suspicion while carrying out their criminal activities.

SP Abiodun stated that investigations are ongoing to track down the remaining gang members, after which all suspects will be prosecuted accordingly.