Security operatives in Niger state have arrested Garba Mohammed, village head of Guiwa community, and 13 other individuals for allegedly aiding and abetting armed bandits in Mashegu LGA.
A statement by Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in the state, said the arrests were made on May 23, during an ongoing clearance operation by a joint team of police officers and vigilantes targeting bandits’ camps and hideouts in Guiwa and Telle villages.
Garba was accused of providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits.
“In furtherance of clearance operations in Mashegu areas against banditry and other violent crimes, on 22nd May, 2025 Police operatives and vigilante members conducted clearance operations in some identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Mashegu LGA such as Magaman-Daji forest and its environs, and in the process, most of the suspected kidnappers fled from the scene and others were believed to have escaped with gunshots injuries,” the statement read.
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“Similarly, on 23rd May, 2025, at about 9am, in continuation of this operation, the team stormed Guiwa and Telle villages based on credible information received, and the Mai-Angwan of Guiwa village Mall. Garba Mohammed was arrested for screening and aiding banditry activities, using his house as a hideout, with recovery of four motorcycles kept in his custody and ten cattle.
“Thirteen others were also arrested in different locations within Mashegu LGA for similar reasons. However, they are under interrogation, and an investigation is in progress to ascertain their roles and involvement in banditry activities in the area.”
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