Police Arrest Seven Suspects Over Revenge Attacks in Minna

The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven suspected thugs over alleged reprisal attacks in parts of Minna, the state capital.

The arrests followed security operations targeting recurring violence in communities including Gurara, Albishir and Gbeganu.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the development in a statement issued on November 5, 2026.

According to the statement, operatives of the Anti-Thuggery Unit arrested the suspects at about 4:30 a.m. on October 29 during a sting operation in Albishir, following credible intelligence.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 27, were identified as Abdullahi Hassan, Shafiu Yahaya, Mohammed Abdullahi, Idris Bashir, Idris Mohammed, Alhassan Isyaku and Aliyu Isah.

Police said searches conducted at their residences led to the recovery of a sword, cutlasses, a knife, suspected cannabis and a cable.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the recurring attacks to a reprisal stemming from a violent confrontation at a party in Albishir in 2025, which allegedly resulted in the death of Sani Mohammed, a resident of Gurara.

The police said youths from Gurara subsequently planned retaliatory attacks, leading to an assault on Alhassan Isyaku of Albishir, who was reportedly carrying out furniture work in Gurara.

During the incident, Aliyu Isah allegedly sustained a deep cut to his right leg and other injuries around his neck.

The command disclosed that the seven suspects had been investigated and charged to court for alleged conspiracy, thuggery and causing grievous injury.

The police also reported the arrest of 11 additional suspects following a violent clash between youths from Kafintela and residents of Samande, Tunga, on October 16.

The clash reportedly involved the destruction of shops and fighting, which resulted in the death of a person from Kafintela.

The suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation and subsequently charged to court.

The police said security patrols and monitoring operations would continue to curb violence and restore peace across affected communities.