A suspected member of a notorious bandit group, Samaila Saidu, has been arrested by the Niger State Police Command in Gurara Local Government Area of the state.

During the operation, they also rescued an abducted victim.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 14, 2024, said the suspected bandit confessed to having participated in a series of robberies, cattle rustling and kidnapping.

“On 28/09/2024 at about 1700hrs, based on actionable technical intelligence, one Samaila Saidu a.k.a litre, 22yrs of Gwacipe area of Gurara LGA was arrested at Izom market by the Crack Squad team of the Command,” the statement read.

During interrogation, the suspect narrated that he’s from the Dansadau area of Zamfara State but now resides in the Gwacipe area of Gurara, Niger State.

He confessed that he had worked with the Kachalla group for over two years and mentioned a series of robberies, cattle rustling and kidnappings he had participated in the Mangoro Sarkin-Pawa area, Garun-Gabas, Bena Kotonkoro area, and the attack of Kagara town etc.

“The suspect is under investigation and aiding the Police investigation process towards uncovering and curbing other banditry activities in the State and beyond. The suspect shall be prosecuted as soon as the investigation is concluded.”

“On 09/10/2024 at about 0025hrs, the report was received at Mokwa Div that a victim was abducted by suspected kidnappers at Takuma village, Mokwa area, and one other was shot on the hand, but taken to hospital for treatment.

“The victim was rescued, and investigation into the kidnapping incident is in progress, as effort is on top gear to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.”