The Niger State Police Command has arrested 32 suspected thugs in a major crackdown on criminal activities across Minna, the state capital. Among those apprehended were three notorious gang leaders and an escaped inmate.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, the arrests followed sting operations carried out by operatives attached to ‘A’ Division Minna between August 30 and 31, 2025. The raids targeted criminal hideouts in areas such as Limawa, Makera, Kwangila, Central Roundabout, Railway Station, Ogbomosho Street, Abdulsalam Quarters, PZ Area, Angwan-Kaje, New Market, Sabon-Gari, Kuta Road, and Angwan-Sarki.

During the operation, police arrested several notorious figures, including:

Jemilu Usman (19), a.k.a. Pabore, wanted for attempted culpable homicide in Tayi Village, Minna.

Abdulraheem Tasiu, a.k.a. Tsoho Papalo, is a known gang leader from the PZ area.

Abdulmajid Abubakar (25), a.k.a. Gaye, recently released from prison, was caught with a cutlass.

Mohammed Yahaya (35), of Angwan-Sarki, was identified as one of the inmates who escaped during a past jailbreak. He had previously been convicted of homicide.

Police recovered several exhibits, including wraps of suspected cannabis, shisha pots, cutlasses, and other illicit substances.

“All suspects are under investigation, and efforts to return the escaped inmate to the custodial center are ongoing,” SP Abiodun confirmed.

The latest arrests mark another step in the police’s efforts to rid Minna of violent gangs and criminal activities that have plagued the city in recent months.