Ministry of Homeland Security, NGS

Commissioner of Homeland Security pays a working visit to 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Homeland Security, Barr. Maurice Bello Magaji, has paid a courtesy visit to the 31 Artillery Brigade, where he expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him by the officers and men of the Brigade. The commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Aminu Aliyu Goro, and the Director of Security, Ismaila Hussaini, was at the Brigade Headquarters on a working visit.

Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner called for stronger synergy among all security agencies in the state, stressing the need to improve security of the state to enable citizens, especially farmers, carry out their activities without fear, most especially for our students to return to back to schools in earnest. He assured the Brigade of his commitment to working closely with all security agencies, describing his appointment as a new dawn in the state’s security management.

Responding, the Commander 31 Artillery Brigade, Brig Gen. MU Jibo, commended the Governor for appointing a civilian as Commissioner, noting that the move would enhance smooth working relationships and avoid straight jacket idea.

The Commander disclosed that plans are underway to establish two additional battalions and Forward Operating Bases in the state, and assured the Commissioner of a cordial and productive partnership.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, has expressed his sincere appreciation to the Commander for his continued support and cooperation he enjoyed from the Brigade Headquarters while he held sway of the Ministry urging him to extend same to the new leadership of the Ministry while he officially introduced the Commissioner.

Highlight of the visit was presentation of a plaque to the Hon. Commissioner as a mark of honor and a tour to the military workshop where operational vehicles are being serviced and overhaul to be put to use.

Signed.
Management of
Min. Of Homeland Security

PRESS RELEASE

Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in papiri area in Agwara local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive

The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.

This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District. In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.

Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.

Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils. The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.

The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.

We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts.

Signed,

Alh. Abubakar Usman

Secretary to the Niger State Government

21-11-2025

Local government Elections, it is important for every citizen to remain vigilant and play their part in maintaining peace and order. Elections are a civic responsibility, not a battleground. We must ensure that our communities remain safe before, during, and after the voting exercise.

Key Security Tips:

1. Avoid Political Arguments That Can Lead to Conflict
Share your views respectfully and allow others to do the same.

2. Move in Groups When Attending Campaign Events or Rallies
Safety is stronger in numbers.

3. Do Not Brandish Party Materials in Rival Areas
Respecting spaces reduces unnecessary provocation.

4. Report Suspicious Movements or Unknown Groups in Your Area
Inform local authorities, traditional leaders, or community vigilantes.

5. Protect Your PVC and Keep Personal Items Secure
Your vote is your voice—guard it.

6. Obey Security Personnel and Electoral Officials on Election Day
Their job is to protect lives and ensure smooth voting.

7. Avoid Late-Night Political Gatherings
Criminals often take advantage of late hours.

8. Do Not Spread Unverified News or Political Rumors
Fake news can trigger tension—verify before sharing.

9. Respect the Rights and Choices of Others
Democracy means freedom of choice for every citizen.

10. After Voting, Leave the Polling Unit Peacefully
Do not stay behind to cause crowding or unrest.

REMEMBER:

Peace is the real victory.
We can only build our communities when we stay united, safe, and responsible.

Election is not war.
Let’s protect each other.
Let’s protect our community.

TROOPS NEUTRALIZED BANDITS IN RIJAU NIGER STATE

The commander 18 Brigade / Commander Sub-Sector 2 Operations FANSAN YAMMA Brigadier General Ibrahim Babatunde Gambari commended troops in his Brigade for their professionalism, doggedness and tactical proficiency in a week long encountered with Violent Extremists/Bandits in Kotongora, Mariga, Rijau and Rafi LGAs with little or no casualties recorded in both men and materiel. He further urged troops to continue to stand boldly to confront the criminals anytime they make any moves into the Brigade Area of Responsibility.

Additionally, the commander appreciated the timely response of the Air Component to provide troops with close air support and air interdiction which resulted to neutralization of many criminals and created avenues for captives to regained freedom from their captors.The Brigade Commander further enjoined the troops to maintain the tempo of Operations to ensure a safe and secured environment for local Community with other law abiding Citizen to engage in their Day to day activities without fear. The Commander concluded by appreciating the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FASSAN YAMMA for timely guidance and support to the Brigade and praised his leadership generally.

General Gambari concluded by assuring the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FASSAN YAMMA that troops will continue to work with other security agencies as a team in order to achieve a the desired goals.

MOHAMMED
NUHU Jaafaru
Major
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
18 Brigade
18 October 2025

NIGER STATE POLICE COMMAND
24th Sept., 2025

CRIME BULLETIN

TWELVE SECURITY STAFF IN CUSTODY FOR CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY, BREACH OF TRUST, MISCHIEF/VANDALIZATION, THEFT BY SERVANT AND RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY

On August 12th 2025, the above mentioned case was transferred from New-Bussa Div to SCID Minna with two suspects bordering on the offences stated above, and in furtherance to the investigation of a criminal complaint received from Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd dated August 11th, 2025 which indicated that within July 2025, an inspection was conducted in the navigation lock yard of Kainji power plant at Kaya junction and discovered that some navigation lock metals and beams were vandalised and stolen by unknown persons valued over 4.8bn naira.

Hence, New-Bussa Div arrested two suspects from the power plant and transferred to SCID Minna, who are;
-Shaibu Abu Sufyan 35yrs of New-Bussa
-Ibrahim Musa 31yrs of the same address, both are security supervisors at the power plant.

The operatives of the SCID led by DSP Ahmed Saidu commenced further investigation, and Abu Sufyan who initially denied the alleged crime, later confessed when confronted with facts. He stated that he perpetrated the act with the following staff;
-Ibrahim Musa
-Zayyanu Musa
-Jibrin Abdullahi
-Hassan Musa
-Micah Adamu
-Attahiru Umar
-Abdulrahman Usman
-Ismaila Ibrahim
-Mubarak Husseini
-Adamu Abubakar
-Abdullahi Abubakar a.k.a Zuma, all security staff under Abu Sufyan.

Preliminary investigation revealed that all suspects conspired and contacted one Musa Khalid, Abah Khalid and Abdullahi who are major scrap dealers in Nasarawa village of Mashegu LGA, mobilised to the location of the navigation lock gates. Musa Khalid and others usually moved to the location with acetylene gas mostly during weekends at night, vandalised the metals, cut into sizes and used a crane to load it into canter trucks which has been happening since 2023 - 2025.

These items were taken to Musa Khalid's shop in Nasarawa village, for weighing to ascertain the value before payment and proceeds get shared. Musa Khalid has numerous agents through which these items are sold to different companies in Lagos, Kwara and Osun States. It was discovered that the plant's store and other manhole covers were also tampered with, as heavy equipment was carted away from the store. Over #12.5m transactions were discovered between Abu Sufyan and Musa Khalid, and over #11.5m transactions were also discovered between Ibrahim Musa and Musa Khalid and others.

Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing to arrest others such as the scrap dealers and other collaborators. Further development will definitely be made public as the investigation progresses.

(2) TWO COLLABORATORS ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY, ARRANGED SELF-KIDNAP AND CAUSING PUBLIC UNREST

In a follow-up investigation on a case of suspected kidnapping reported at Tudun-Wada Div on September 2nd, 2025 where nine persons were arrested with 21 SIM cards recovered from one Suleiman Dauda of Mandela area and Salisu Dauda of Sahuka Kahuta, Minna.

Further investigation revealed that the SIM cards were being used for fraudulent internet activities disguised as network marketing for an unknown body called "Quest Int'l Company".

The suspects earlier arrested were also discovered to have invested and they were given the positions of Independent Representatives (IR) for the purpose of recruiting more unsuspecting members of the public into the illegal investment.

However, with the aid of technical intelligence, the alleged kidnap victim Ahmed Alh. Bura 21yrs of Bauchi State and his so-called "abductor" Shafiu Ibrahim 22yrs of Makujeri were arrested on September 17th, 2025 at Shafiu residence in Makujeri. Findings indicated that they all attended a car drifting show at Mandela area, while these two conspired to disappear, and requested for ransom of seven million naira from their colleagues.

The two suspects are in custody under investigation in SCID Minna and they will be charged to court for prosecution, just like others who were also remanded by the court.

(3) TWO SUSPECTS APPREHENDED FOR CONSPIRACY, KIDNAPPING AND C/HOMICIDE OF 10-YR-OLD BOY

On September 13th 2025, a report received indicated that one Yaseer Mustapha 10yr of Kwana-Mariga was abducted on 24th July 2025 by unknown persons.

It was reported that the guardian was on the farm when he received a call informing him that his boy had been kidnapped and requested for #3.5m ransom.

After much negotiation, he was able to raise one hundred thousand naira without informing the Police and made payment to an account provided for him. A month later, he was called again to pay another ten thousand naira to one Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi 32yr of Kwana, and after payment, no response from the hoodlums.

This led the guardian to report to the Police in September. Immediately the complaint was received and transferred to the Anti-kidnapping unit of the SCID for investigation, actions were taken and the said Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi was trailed and arrested, which also led to the arrest of his accomplice, Abdulnafiu Usman 18yrs of same Kwana-Mariga.

The two suspects confessed to the crime, unfortunately killed the boy, and buried him in an uncompleted building in the neighbourhood. The Police operatives were led to the scene and the decomposed body was recovered. The body was released to the family for burial rites, while the suspects were charged to court for prosecution.

(4) THREE SUSPECTED MOTORCYCLE THIEVES ARRESTED WITH RECOVERY OF MOTORCYCLE PARTS

On September 23, 2025 at about 9am, Police patrol team attached to 'B' Div Kontagora, while on routine patrol along Kontagora - Yauri road near Mararaba junction Kontagora, sighted two persons on a motorcycle with a sack.

The team flagged down the motorcycle to stop, but refused and the motorcycle was chased by the team towards by-pass road. The two suspects were eventually arrested who are;
-Jibril Musa 24yrs of Bayan-Waya K'gora
-Ahmed Tiamiyu of New-Market area, K'gora

A spot search was immediately carried out on them and dismantled parts of a bajaj motorcycle were recovered from the sack they were carrying. During interrogation, they confessed to having stolen the Bajaj motorcycle within the town and dismantled it for ease of movement for sale. They also mentioned one Elijah Ochoba 20yrs who took part in dismantling the motorcycle.

The three suspects were arrested and they are in custody under further investigation

SP W. A ABIODUN
PPRO
Niger State Command