The Niger State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in two separate high-profile cases, a massive theft and vandalism at the Kainji Power Plant valued at over ₦4.8 billion, and a staged kidnap designed to extort ₦7 million ransom.
In a statement made available to newsmen signed by Niger State Command Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, Police spokespersons said the first case, which began with a complaint from Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd on August 11, 2025, uncovered a long-running conspiracy by security staff at the Kainji Power Plant.
The Command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the dealers and other collaborators.
On May 3, 2025, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the arrest of four security personnel aiding terrorist operations in the North-East.
The suspects included two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat the insurgency.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, the hybrid forces were arrested during operations from April 26 to 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs.
He said they were part of the four terrorist logistics suppliers arrested by the troops.
In another development, police in Minna uncovered a staged kidnapping involving two young men who faked an abduction to swindle their colleagues.
The case, initially reported as a kidnapping to the Tudun-Wada Division on September 2, 2025, led to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of 21 SIM cards from one Suleiman Dauda of Mandela area and Salisu Dauda of Sahuka Kahuta, Minna.
Investigations linked the group to fraudulent internet activities under the guise of a network marketing scheme called “Quest Int’l Company.
With the aid of technical intelligence, police arrested the supposed kidnap victim, Ahmed Alh. Bura (21) of Bauchi State, and his alleged abductor, Shafiu Ibrahim (22) of Makujeri, on September 17, 2025.
“Findings indicated that both suspects attended a car drifting event at the Mandela area and conspired to disappear afterwards. They demanded a ransom of ₦7 million from their colleagues in the guise of a kidnapping,” police revealed.
Both suspects are currently in SCID custody in Minna and will be charged in court, alongside others who were earlier arrested.
