Rita Odafe
Authorities have taken into custody the chief of Guiwa in the Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, along with 13 associates, on accusations of supporting armed bandits.
This information was shared on Sunday via a post on X by Zagazola Makama, who specializes in counter-insurgency efforts in the Lake Chad area.
Makama reported that according to intelligence sources, the arrests occurred on May 23, 2025, during a coordinated operation led by police, hunters, and local vigilante groups.
The village chief, Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed, was detained on credible suspicions of harboring and aiding the bandits.
The other individuals apprehended were residents from surrounding areas believed to have links with the criminals.
Among those arrested were Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu from Wawa village, Borgu LGA; Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo; Shehu Alhaji Ardo from Adogon Mallam; as well as Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi from Lumma; Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo; Babuga Saidu from Lumma; Musa Mohammed from Telle village; Mohammed Abubakar from Dukku, Rijau LGA; Molema Aliyu from Pallagi; and Oro Abubakar of Arera.
“While searching the village chief’s home, authorities seized four motorcycles, one live cartridge, and ten cattle thought to be stolen by the bandits. To relieve their suffering, three of the injured cattle were slaughtered.
“Investigations are still ongoing, according to sources from the Niger State Police Command,” Makama concluded.
