POLICE ARREST FOUR VIGILANTES OVER ABDUCTION, KILLING OF MAN IN NIGER

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four vigilante operatives over the abduction, killing and robbery of a 32-year-old man, Umar Bingel, in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state.

Bingel, a resident of the Dadin-Kowa area, was reportedly abducted while returning from the market after selling his cattle. He was dispossessed of his motorcycle and N1.5 million, believed to be proceeds from the sale.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the case was reported on February 12, 2026, prompting an investigation by operatives attached to the Kontagora Area Command.

The probe led to the arrest of three vigilante members, Suleiman Umar, Tanko Sale and Rabiu Bako — who allegedly confessed to having knowledge of the crime and identified another vigilante group led by suspects known as Danbaba and Smalli from Farin-Shinge village.

Police subsequently arrested the principal suspect, Danbaba, on February 15. He reportedly led officers to the scene where the victim was killed and dumped in a pit. The decomposed body was recovered and taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, before being released to the family for burial.

Items recovered during the operation included the victim’s Bajaj motorcycle, three locally made guns, two dane guns and four rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

The suspects remain in custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for prosecution, police said.