Niger State Police Apprehend Goat-Stealing Syndicate Operative

The Niger State Police Command has successfully apprehended a group of four individuals who had been engaging in a goat-stealing operation in the Kpakungu and Soje areas of Minna, the state capital. The suspects were reportedly involved in this illicit activity for the past five years as a means of survival.

Community members in the affected areas had been closely monitoring the activities of the thieves over the past several months. Last week, their efforts bore fruit as the police, acting on a tip-off from vigilant residents, managed to locate and intercept the syndicate.

According to police reports, upon receiving information about the syndicate’s activities, law enforcement officers swiftly sprang into action. As the Tactical Support Team trailed the suspects, they attempted to flee in a Honda Civic vehicle bearing license plate number MNA 342 AA. The vehicle was eventually stopped near Shiroro Hotel, resulting in the arrest of three of the suspects at the scene.

The suspects have been identified as Shehu Buhari (25), Musa Idris (40), both from Barkin-Sale, Minna, and Idrisu Aliyu (also known as Dagrin) (22) from Kaffintela, Minna. Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to their involvement in goat theft for the past five years. They confessed to having stolen more than 500 goats from various locations in Minna. The goats were reportedly sold to butchers in the Maitumbi and Tunga areas, with prices ranging from N10,000 to N15,000 based on the size of the animal.

The suspects divulged that they often utilized Idris Dagrin’s Honda Civic vehicle to transport the stolen livestock. They also identified two individuals who acted as receivers for their stolen goods. One of the receivers, Murtala Dan-Azumi from Tunga, was apprehended, while the other, Hussaini Yahaya, is currently evading capture.

Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the ongoing investigation into the case. He noted that efforts are being made to apprehend the fugitive suspect, Hussaini Yahaya. Following the completion of the investigation, all suspects will be brought before a court of law to face appropriate charges. The successful arrest of this goat-stealing syndicate highlights the collaborative efforts of the community and law enforcement in maintaining security and ensuring the rule of law.