Village chief, 13 others arrested in Niger for allegedly assisting bandits

Security operatives comprising police officers and vigilante members have arrested the village head of Guiwa in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, Garba Mohammed, over alleged links to banditry in the area and beyond.

The arrest, which took place on Friday around 9 a.m., followed intelligence reports suggesting the traditional ruler and others were assisting criminal elements. Reports indicate that his residence had allegedly served as a hideout where bandits regularly gathered to plan attacks.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest during a phone conversation with Daily Trust. He said the operation was part of an ongoing effort to clear known bandit and kidnapper enclaves in the Mashegu area.

According to Abiodun, on 22nd May 2025, police and vigilante operatives conducted raids on suspected hideouts in and around Magaman-Daji forest. Although most of the suspects escaped, some are believed to have fled with gunshot injuries. The following day, 23rd May, the operation extended to Guiwa and Telle villages based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of Garba Mohammed. He was accused of aiding bandit activities by providing shelter and logistical support. Four motorcycles and ten cattle were reportedly recovered from his compound.

Thirteen other suspects were also picked up in different locations across Mashegu LGA. While their identities were not disclosed by the police, counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama named them as individuals from communities such as Wawa, Gwajibo, Telle, Dukku, Pallagi, Arera, Adogon Mallam, and Lumma.

A resident of New Bussa confirmed that Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village and five others from Lumma in Borgu LGA were among those arrested.

All suspects are currently under interrogation as investigations continue to determine their involvement in criminal activities threatening the security of the region.