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 PUNCH Online on Wednesday, 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.
“An inspection at the navigation lock yard of the Kainji power plant revealed that some navigation lock metals and beams worth billions were vandalised and carted away by unknown persons. Following this, two supervisors at the plant were arrested and transferred to SCID Minna,” the statement read.
The suspects, identified as Shaibu Abu Sufyan (35) and Ibrahim Musa (31), initially denied involvement. However, Abu Sufyan later confessed and implicated ten other security personnel under his supervision. They include Zayyanu Musa, Jibrin Abdullahi, Hassan Musa, Micah Adamu, Attahiru Umar, Abdulrahman Usman, Ismaila Ibrahim, Mubarak Husseini, Adamu Abubakar, and Abdullahi Abubakar (aka Zuma).
Investigations further revealed that the group conspired with scrap dealers Musa Khalid, Abah Khalid, and Abdullahi in Nasarawa village, Mashegu LGA. The dealers, police said, mobilised heavy equipment to dismantle metals using acetylene gas, cut them into sizes, and transport them in trucks during weekends at night.
“These criminal activities have been ongoing since 2023. So far, ₦12.5 million transactions were traced between Abu Sufyan and one of the dealers, while ₦11.5 million was linked to Ibrahim Musa. The stolen items were sold to companies in Lagos, Kwara, and Osun States,” police disclosed.
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.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
