In a dramatic revelation, Niger State Police Commissioner Shawulu Danmaman has stated that the growing number of out-of-school children in the region is significantly contributing to the rise in crime, particularly among teenagers.
During a press briefing in Minna on December 13, 2024, Danmaman revealed that between January and December 2024, the police had arrested 713 suspects, including several teenagers, for various crimes.
“The high number of out-of-school children has significantly contributed to the increasing crime rate, especially among teenagers,” Danmaman said, explaining the alarming trend that has led to a surge in criminal activities in the state.
The Commissioner’s statement came after a year of intensified police operations in the region, which have led to the arrest of individuals involved in various criminal activities. Among the offences committed by the suspects are serious crimes like homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft.
The Niger State police also reported a significant achievement during their operations in 2024. In addition to the arrests, the police were able to rescue 37 victims who had been kidnapped and were held for ransom. The police also seized a large quantity of firearms and ammunition, which they say were used in carrying out these criminal acts.
While addressing the media, Danmaman provided further insights into the disturbing nature of some of the crimes. One particularly harrowing case was the murder of Hadiza Umaru. According to the Commissioner, Hadiza was poisoned by individuals who claimed to be treating her for “evil spirits.” After the poisoning, her body was buried in a shallow grave.
“The victim was poisoned under the guise of treatment for ‘evil spirits,’ and her body was buried in a shallow grave,” Danmaman said, adding that further investigations into the case had led to the discovery of more graves in the same area, hinting at a larger pattern of crime in the region.
The arrest of 713 suspects, including teenagers, has raised concerns about the rising involvement of young people in criminal activities. Many of the arrested individuals are said to have been part of criminal gangs involved in violent crimes, such as kidnapping for ransom, robbery, and even murder.
The police have highlighted that the lack of access to education for many children in Niger State has left them vulnerable to criminal exploitation. With limited opportunities, some young people are drawn into crime as a means of survival or due to the influence of criminal gangs.
In his address, Danmaman urged the government to take more action to address the root causes of crime, particularly the lack of access to education. “We need to focus on providing educational opportunities for our children, especially in rural areas, to help prevent them from being exploited by criminal elements,” he said.
The situation in Niger State is part of a wider national concern about the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. According to various reports, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of children out of school globally, with millions of children missing out on education due to poverty, insecurity, and other social challenges.
Experts argue that the lack of education and job opportunities for young people creates a fertile ground for criminal gangs to recruit teenagers into illegal activities. With limited access to formal education, many young people turn to crime as a way to earn money and gain status in their communities.
The police in Niger State have pledged to continue their efforts to combat crime, but they have also called on the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to work together to tackle the underlying issues that contribute to crime in the region. This includes investing in education, improving access to basic social services, and providing vocational training programs for young people.
As the investigation into Hadiza Umaru’s murder and other criminal activities continues, the police have vowed to bring perpetrators to justice and continue their crackdown on criminal gangs operating in the state. They also plan to work closely with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of crime and the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and violence.
