Niger State Village Head and 13 Others Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Bandits in Mashegu LGA

 

In a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in Northern Nigeria, security operatives in Niger State have arrested a traditional ruler and 13 other individuals suspected of aiding and abetting armed bandits. This arrest, which took place in Mashegu Local Government Area on May 23, 2025, marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal hideouts and dismantle networks of collaborators within local communities.

According to credible sources, the arrests were carried out during a coordinated security operation involving a joint task force composed of police officers, local hunters, and members of the vigilante group. The operation targeted several known bandit enclaves in Guiwa and Telle villages, located within the volatile region of Mashegu LGA in Niger State.

Traditional Ruler Arrested for Alleged Ties with Bandits

Among those arrested was the village head of Guiwa, identified as Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed. He is suspected of offering support to the criminal gangs terrorizing residents in the area. Security officials revealed that Mohammed was arrested based on “reasonable suspicion of providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits.”

This revelation has shocked many within and outside the community, as traditional rulers are often seen as custodians of peace and stability. The implication of a village head in aiding violent criminals raises serious concerns about the depth of the banditry crisis and how it is being sustained through internal collaboration.

List of Arrested Suspects from Surrounding Communities

Alongside the village head, thirteen other individuals from nearby villages were also apprehended. These individuals are believed to have worked in various capacities to support the operations of the armed bandits. The names of the suspects released by the security team are as follows:

• Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Borgu Local Government Area

• Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo

• Musa Mohammed of Telle village

• Mohammed Abubakar of Dukku, Rijau Local Government Area

• Molema Aliyu of Pallagi

• Oro Abubakar of Arera

• Shehu Alhaji Ardo of Adogon Mallam

• Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi – all residents of Lumma

• Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo

• Babuga Saidu of Lumma

These suspects were allegedly involved in various forms of assistance to the bandits, including providing intelligence, food supplies, transportation, and possibly weapons. Their arrests are expected to aid ongoing investigations into the broader network that has allowed banditry to flourish in Niger State and across parts of northern Nigeria.

Evidence Recovered During the Raid

In a search conducted at the residence of the village head, security operatives discovered several incriminating items believed to be linked to banditry activities. Among the recovered items were:

• Four motorcycles, commonly used by bandits for quick movements through difficult terrains

• One live cartridge, suggesting potential access to firearms

• Ten cattle, suspected to have been stolen from local communities during previous bandit attacks

The security team also reported that three of the cattle were seriously injured. In a humane response to prevent further suffering, the injured animals were slaughtered at the scene.

These findings have added weight to the allegations against the village head and others, as such possessions are often indicators of direct involvement in criminal activities or, at the very least, close association with those who commit them.

Police React to Arrests – Investigations Ongoing

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the arrests in an official statement and assured the public that a thorough investigation is already underway. A police spokesperson stated:

“We are fully committed to uncovering the truth and rooting out all collaborators who facilitate banditry in our communities. No one will be spared—whether traditional leader, elite, or civilian—if found guilty of assisting criminal elements.”

The Command emphasized that dismantling the internal networks that support and protect these armed groups is a top priority in restoring peace and security in the state.

Understanding the Context: Banditry in Niger State

Niger State has, over the years, become one of the epicenters of banditry and rural violence in Nigeria. Armed groups, often composed of heavily armed men on motorcycles, have continued to wreak havoc on farming communities, killing, abducting, and displacing thousands.

The crisis in Mashegu Local Government Area is particularly dire. Rural villages like Guiwa and Telle have seen frequent attacks that involve the theft of livestock, burning of homes, and mass abductions. Residents have long complained of insecurity and have appealed to both the state and federal governments for protection.

One of the major challenges facing security operatives is the local collaboration that allows bandits to evade capture. In many cases, informants within communities provide shelter, food, and crucial information to these criminals, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track them down. The arrest of individuals allegedly involved in such collaboration may serve as a wake-up call to others who support or protect bandits for personal gain.

Public Reaction and Community Impact

The news of the arrests has elicited mixed reactions from the affected communities. While many residents have welcomed the move as a necessary step toward restoring peace, others have expressed shock and disbelief, particularly regarding the involvement of a traditional ruler.

“I still can’t believe our village head is among them,” a resident of Guiwa told NaijaRush under the condition of anonymity. “He was always the first to speak during security meetings. If he has been helping bandits, then who can we trust again?”

Another resident from Telle village said:

“This is why the attacks never stopped. We would report and cry for help, not knowing that those close to us were the ones feeding information to the bandits. We are grateful that the authorities are finally acting.”

What This Means for the Fight Against Banditry

The arrest of local figures accused of aiding bandits sends a strong message to other would-be collaborators. For too long, banditry has persisted in northern Nigeria due to a complex web of support from within. Whether for money, influence, or out of fear, many locals have chosen to side with criminals instead of law enforcement.

However, with this operation, the security agencies appear to be changing tactics—not just chasing the bandits but also targeting their support systems.

If the investigation leads to successful prosecution, it could set a precedent that deters others from helping bandits, directly or indirectly. It also highlights the need for communities to take a more active role in defending themselves against infiltration by criminal sympathizers.

Conclusion: A Turning Point or Another Temporary Win?

While the arrest of 14 suspects, including a respected village head, is a commendable move, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to long-term change. The battle against banditry in Niger State and Nigeria at large is far from over. It requires continued collaboration between the government, security forces, community leaders, and the general public.

The success of this operation should not be viewed in isolation. Instead, it must be the beginning of a larger and more sustained effort to cleanse communities of criminal collaborators and restore the safety that Nigerians desperately crave.

As the Niger State Police Command continues its investigation, all eyes will be on how the legal process unfolds—and whether justice will be served without fear or favor.