This was made known on Sunday in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region.
Security operatives have apprehended the village head of Guiwa in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, along with 13 others, for allegedly aiding and abetting armed bandits.
This was made known on Sunday in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region.
Makama disclosed that intelligence sources informed him that the arrests were made on May 23, 2025, during an ongoing clearance operation by a joint team of police officers, hunters, and local vigilantes.
According to the report, the village head, Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed, was apprehended on reasonable suspicion of providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits.
The others arrested are residents from various nearby communities suspected of collaboration with the criminals.
Those arrested included Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Borgu LGA; Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo; Shehu Alhaji Ardo of Adogon Mallam; Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi, all of Lumma; Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo; Babuga Saidu of Lumma; Musa Mohammed of Telle village; Mohammed Abubakar of Dukku, Rijau LGA; Molema Aliyu of Pallagi; and Oro Abubakar of Arera.
“During a search of the village head’s residence, security operatives recovered four motorcycles, one live cartridge, and ten cattle believed to have been stolen by the bandits. Three of the cattle, which were injured, were slaughtered to prevent further suffering.
“Sources from the Niger State Police Command said investigations into the matter are ongoing,” Makama added.
