Security operatives in Niger State have arrested the village head of Guiwa, Mallam Garba Mohammed, along with 13 other suspects, over alleged links to banditry in Mashegu Local Government Area and surrounding regions.
The arrests followed a major security operation targeting bandit and kidnapper hideouts in the area. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that the operation was carried out by a joint team of police officers and vigilantes based on credible intelligence.
“On 22nd May 2025, we began clearance operations in Magaman-Daji forest and nearby areas. While many suspects fled, we continued the operation the next day, storming Guiwa and Telle villages,” Abiodun said.
During the raid on 23rd May, the village head of Guiwa, Mallam Garba Mohammed, was arrested for allegedly helping bandits and allowing them to use his house as a hideout. Four motorcycles and ten cattle were recovered from his compound.
The 13 others arrested were picked up in different parts of Mashegu LGA. Although the police did not initially disclose their names, counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama identified them as coming from various villages, including Wawa, Gwajibo, Telle, and Dukku.
The suspects are currently under investigation to determine their level of involvement in the criminal activities plaguing the region.
Niger State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has been battling rising cases of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities. Mashegu, Rijau, and Borgu LGAs have been particularly affected.
The arrest of a traditional leader has raised concerns about the possible role of community insiders in aiding criminal groups. Authorities say they are determined to root out such collaborators and restore peace to affected areas.
