Security operatives in Niger State have apprehended the village head of Guiwa, Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed, and 13 others for alleged collaboration with armed bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area.
According to report, the arrests were made on May 23 during a clearance operation conducted by a joint team of police officers, hunters, and local vigilantes targeting bandit camps and hideouts in Guiwa and Telle villages.
The village head is accused of providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits, while the 13 others are alleged to have provided similar support.
Those arrested include Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Borgu LGA; Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo; Musa Mohammed of Telle village; Mohammed Abubakar of Dukku, Rijau LGA; Molema Aliyu of Pallagi; Oro Abubakar of Arera; Shehu Alhaji Ardo of Adogon Mallam; Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi, all of Lumma; Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo; and Babuga Saidu of Lumma.
Makama stated that during a search of the village head’s residence, operatives recovered four motorcycles, one live cartridge, and ten cattle believed to have been stolen.
“Three of the cattle, which were found with injuries, were slaughtered to prevent further suffering,” according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Investigations are ongoing, and the operation is part of broader efforts to dismantle networks of support for criminal elements in the region.