POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED KILLER OF VIGILANTE MEMBER, OTHERS IN NIGER STATE

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By Aishat Momoh O.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a suspected killer of a vigilante member who had been on the run since 2024.

The suspect, Sudais Zakari of Angwan-Roka, Minna, was apprehended alongside Danjuma Idris of Maitumbi during a police operation targeting criminal hideouts in the Maitumbi area.

Zakari was alleged to have fled after the killing of Ibrahim Yahaya, popularly known as Danladi Baushe, a vigilante member in Maitumbi, in April 2024. He is also suspected to have participated in several armed robbery operations in the area in 2025.

Confirming the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

“On 7th February 2026 at about 10:30pm, police operatives attached to Maitumbi Division, led by the DPO in collaboration with vigilante members, stormed criminal hideouts around Maitumbi. In the process, one Sudais Zakari of Angwan-Roka and Danjuma Idris of Maitumbi were arrested,” Abiodun said.

He added that Zakari had been wanted for various offences, including the alleged culpable homicide of Ibrahim Yahaya in April 2024.

“Preliminary investigation further revealed that the said Sudais had participated in several armed robbery incidents in Maitumbi area within 2025,” he stated.

According to the police spokesman, Danjuma Idris was arrested with suspected burglary tools, including a bolt cutter, machete, screwdriver, pliers, a bunch of keys, a face cap, and a bag believed to be stolen.

In a related development, Abiodun disclosed that on February 8, 2026, at about 3:00am, one Aji Gana was intercepted and arrested around Maitumbi Roundabout by the Operation Flush patrol team.

Items recovered from him included a cutlass, a pitcher, a bunch of keys, pliers, a screwdriver, and two mobile phones.

“All suspects are under further investigation and will be charged to court after the investigation,” Abiodun added.