On May 23, 2025, security operatives in Niger State detained the village head of Guiwa and 13 other individuals for their suspected involvement in supporting armed bandits. The arrests were made as part of an ongoing security operation by a combined team of police officers, hunters, and local vigilantes, which aimed at targeting bandit camps and hideouts in the Guiwa and Telle villages in Mashegu Local Government Area.
The village head, Mai Anguwa Garba Mohammed, was apprehended based on credible suspicion that he had been providing shelter and logistical support to the bandits. In addition to the village head, 13 residents from nearby communities were also arrested for their suspected collaboration with the criminals. Those arrested include Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu from Wawa village, Umar Abubakar from Gwajibo, Musa Mohammed from Telle village, Mohammed Abubakar from Dukku in Rijau LGA, Molema Aliyu from Pallagi, Oro Abubakar from Arera, Shehu Alhaji Ardo from Adogon Mallam, Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, Babuga Abdullahi, Mohamadu Bako from Gwajibo, and Babuga Saidu from Lumma.
During the search of the village head’s residence, law enforcement discovered four motorcycles, one live cartridge, and ten cattle believed to have been stolen by the bandits. Three of the cattle, which had sustained injuries, were slaughtered to prevent further suffering. The Niger State Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing, reaffirming their commitment to eradicating all forms of collaboration that support banditry within the state.
