TheNewsGuru

Tag: Niger State

  • Police arrest 3 fake EFCC operatives, others in Niger

    Police arrest 3 fake EFCC operatives, others in Niger

    The Police Command in Niger says it has arrested three suspects, who posed as Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) operatives, abducted and robbed students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai.

    A statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Friday in Minna, indicated that two informants who aided and abetted the operation were also arrested.

    Abiodun said that the police received information at about 8:00 p.m., on May 13, that four of the suspects stormed the students’ off campus lodge and allegedly abducted two students under the pretence of being EFCC operatives.

    He said the suspects whisked the students away in a Toyota Corolla car with Reg. No. ABJ 245 CU.

    Abiodun explained that the Police operatives attached to Lapai Division immediately mobilised and trailed the vehicle to Suleja Road, by Kwakuti, where the suspects were arrested.

    He gave the names of the suspects as Emmanuel Linus, 30, of Deidei, Hyelda Aliyu, 28, of Nyanya, and Abduljallid Tanko, 33, of Karu, all from Abuja.

    “The suspects were arrested with the said vehicle, but unfortunately one Alfa James among the suspects escaped from the scene.

    “During interrogation, they confessed that they were invited by their informants, as this is their means of livelihood.

    “They entered one of the students room with three electric tasers held as guns, collected five phones and abducted two persons,” Abiodun explained.

    According him, the suspects had  requested for the sum of N10 million from the students and later negotiated to N500,000 before they were arrested.

    “They confessed further that the I.D cards used were designed at a shop in Nyanya, Abuja bearing same identification number 1069,” he said.

    The spokesperson also gave the names of their informant collaborators as Mohammed Hassan and Hamisu Adamu, both of Angwan-Hausa in Lapai.

    He explained that the informants gave one of the suspects, Emmanuel Linus,  information about the students, having known each other in Paiko,

    Abiodun said that Emmanuel had been  identified as a dismissed soldier with criminal records and had been convicted two years ago.

    He said that further investigation was ongoing  at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), saying that they would be charged to court for prosecution immediately after the investigation.

  • Arewa Think Tank backs governor Bago’s executive order to combat crime in Niger State

    Arewa Think Tank backs governor Bago’s executive order to combat crime in Niger State

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a northern advocacy group, has expressed strong support for Niger State Governor Umar Bago’s recent executive order aimed at tackling crime and insecurity in the state.

    In a statement, ATT emphasized that the governor’s actions are lawful and necessary to curb the escalating violence, particularly in Minna, the state capital, where incidents of thuggery and killings have become alarmingly frequent. The group challenged critics of the order to propose viable alternatives if they oppose the current approach.

    Governor Bago had earlier directed security agencies to take decisive action against criminal elements, including arresting those suspected of inciting unrest or aiding violent groups. His directive includes clamping down on individuals causing disturbances and implementing stricter security measures.

    ATT Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu commended the governor’s bold steps to restore law and order, citing the executive order targeting individuals with dreadlocks—a move reportedly based on numerous appeals from residents distressed by the rise in violent thuggery.

    “It’s disturbing that criminals have turned Minna’s streets into war zones since Governor Bago assumed office,” Yakubu stated. “We urge him to remain resolute and intensify efforts to eliminate these threats by all lawful means.”

    According to ATT, over 10 people, including a retired permanent secretary, have lost their lives to thug-related violence this year alone. The group also referenced a recent case from April 22, in which a man named Mohammed was fatally stabbed while helping vigilantes confront thugs near his residence.

    The group praised the Niger State House of Assembly for engaging with security agencies to address the crisis and reiterated the need for public officials to act decisively against those destabilizing the peace.

    ATT called on parents to caution their children against involvement in criminal activities and urged the governor to continue enforcing a zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness. They also backed the demolition of buildings found to be sheltering criminals, emphasizing that Niger State should not become a haven for lawbreakers.

    Furthermore, the group supported the governor’s curfew on commercial motorcycles and tricycles from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Minna, with exceptions only for medical emergencies.

  • Fuel tanker explosion rocks Niger

    Fuel tanker explosion rocks Niger

    A significant explosion rocked a fuel station in Niger State late Sunday night, as a heavy-duty tanker truck carrying fuel was offloading its content at a fuel station.

    The sudden and intense blast sent shockwaves through the immediate area, leading to widespread panic and immediate calls to emergency services.

    The fuel station was said to belong to a major marketer located a few metres from the ‘B’ Division of the Nigeria Police, Kontagora, in Kontagora Local Government Area.

    Accounts from the scene indicate the explosion happened as Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was being transferred from the tanker, resulting in a large fire.

    The ongoing presence of fuel in the station’s storage tanks during the offloading amplified the risk of a devastating secondary explosion.

    According to the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kuma Tsukwam, FRSC personnel were able to effectively manage the fuel tanker explosion, and as a result, no human casualties were recorded.

    “Yes, our people were able to nip it in the bud. It happened in the petrol station. They cordoned off the area, so there was no casualty.

    “There was no casualty, but it burst into flames. I think this was their lack of safety measures and safety valves, but we were able to cordoned off the area.

    “It was inside the petrol station, and they drove all passersby and vehicles from entering the station. Yes, it happened.

    “Our major concern was that there was no casualty. They must maintain their safety precautions; it is inevitable,” he said.

     

  • Niger: Gov Bago reacts over deadly Karamin Rami tanker explosion

    Niger: Gov Bago reacts over deadly Karamin Rami tanker explosion

    Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has conveyed his deepest condolences to the families and victims of a tanker explosion in Karamin Rami of Mashegu Local Government Area of the State.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the incident as “unfortunate, worrisome and traumatic”.

    “It is a difficult moment for the state and his prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured and entire people of the area,” he added.

    He stated that his administration had demonstrated a determination and capacity to improve on the poor road infrastructure across the state through the ongoing statewide road constructions, and would not relent in its efforts.

    He urged all the road users, especially tanker drivers, to drive with utmost caution and a sense of responsibility.

    The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of those that died in the explosion as well as quick recovery for the injured ones.

    He promised that the State Government through the relevant MDAs would provide support to the survivors and families of the deceased.

    Bago commended the management and staff of the State Emergency Management Agency for its quick response and support and urged them to carry out thorough assessment for further interventions.

    Recall that a tanker explosion in Karamin Rami, on Tuesday, left seven persons dead, one injured and many farmlands destroyed.

    According to the report, the tanker was said to have fallen, while trying to manoeuvre its way off a bad portion of the road.

    It was further learnt that the content spilled on the road and into a nearby stream, where dry season farmers were working on their rice fields.

    The fuel reportedly came in contact with a water pump in use by the farmers and ignited a fire that spread back to the tanker, leading to an explosion.

    The fire, however, extended to the farmlands through the contaminated stream and burnt some farmers and many farmlands. The injured victim was said to be currently receiving treatment at a health centre in the area.

  • JUST IN: Tanker explosion rocks Niger State; 7 killed, 1 injured

    JUST IN: Tanker explosion rocks Niger State; 7 killed, 1 injured

    The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that seven people were killed and one injured in a tanker explosion at Karamin Rami village in Mashegu Local Government Area of the state.

    NSEMA’s Director General(D-G), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday in Minna.

    He said the explosion occurred on March 4 at about 6:30 p.m. when a tanker truck, attempting to maneuver on a bad road without shoulders, overturned and spilled its content—Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—into a nearby stream.

    He said the PMS came into contact with a water pump used by dry-season farmers on their rice fields, igniting a fire that spread back to the tanker, causing an explosion.

    The D-G added that the inferno extended to farmlands through the contaminated stream water, burning some farmers and destroying rice fields, fruit crops, and vegetation.

    The seven victims were identified as Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi Raliya, Abdulrahman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam Nura.

    Baba-Arah also confirmed that the injured victim, Maimuna Isah, was receiving treatment at the Saho Rami Primary Health Care Center.

  • Niger govt earmarks N300bn to revamp education

    Niger govt earmarks N300bn to revamp education

    The Niger Government is to spend N300 billion in revamping the state’s educational sector to meet up with extant global best practices.

    Gov Mohammed Umaru-Bago, disclosed this on Tuesday in Minna during the groundbreaking ceremony for the revitalisation of basic education infrastructure in the state, with Marafa Basic School as the pilot scheme.

    Umaru-Bago said arrangements have been concluded to expand schools and renovate them with N100 billion in 2025.

    He added that an additional N100 billion would be provided for the remodelling and upgrading of schools to mega-schools.

    The Governor also explained that the state government, in line with its inclusive quality education for all, was committing N5billion to expand and upgrade 25 existing Nomadic schools and intervention for Quranic and Tsangaya schools.

    Umaru-Bago added that N5billion was set aside for children with special needs for the next five years.

    He described education as a fundamental human right, adding,”every child deserves to have education.”

    He stated that the state has made education free and compulsory at the basic level.

    The governor also disclosed that the government was providing one million computers and tablets for learning across all public schools in the state for the children to be in tandem with the current global practices

    Umaru-Bago said the new Niger Agenda was determined to provide succour to all the people of the state at all levels.

    He, however, appreciated Universal Basic Education Board for itd collaboration and continued support to basic education.

    Umar-Bago stated that the state, through its agro initiative, had put a levy of 5 per cent for all agro-allied produce for education with an estimate of N200billipn to be collated.

    In his remarks, the Executive Chairman, Niger  Universal Basic Education Board, Muhammad  Ibrahim, commended  Umaru-Bago for his remarkable strides in the education sector through his new Niger agenda.

    He added that the Marafa basic school when revamped would  have 128 classrooms,  five e- libraries and two basic science laboratories, among others.

    The Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr Asabe Hadiza-Mohammed, extolled the vision of the governor towards the education sector

    She said the revitalisation of basic schools would open the way for a robust educational system where the children would be taught in a convenient environment.

    She said, the inclusive education concept of the governor was bringing along girl-children with disabilities and girls in the rural communities, ensuring that no child was left behind.

  • Niger bans taxation of hawkers, petty traders

    Niger bans taxation of hawkers, petty traders

    The Niger State Government has banned the taxation of hawkers and other petty traders across the state.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday in Minna.

    The CPS stated that the governor made the announcement while addressing journalists at the Government House in Minna.

    Bago, who noted that petty traders were being unfairly taxed, urged Local Government Council Chairmen and councillors to take note of the directive and desist from such practices with immediate effect.

    He explained that the state already operates a centralised tax system, which exempts all hawkers and petty traders from taxation.

    “We have observed with dismay how petty traders and hawkers are being exploited with multiple taxes. As a government, we have resolved that henceforth, no trader, no petty trader, should be taxed.

    “Hawkers and petty traders are tax-free in Niger. Therefore, anybody found taxing them will be dealt with decisively for extortion”.

  • Niger Police command rescues kidnapped victim, recovers stolen livestock

    Niger Police command rescues kidnapped victim, recovers stolen livestock

    The Police Command in Niger State says it has rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered 11 cows and 34 sheep from suspected cattle rustlers in Minna.

    This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP W. Abiodun, on Friday in Minna.

    He stated that the kidnapped victim, Cornelius Damulak, 36, a student of Veritas University Abuja, was rescued by a police patrol team attached to Chanchaga division on Feb. 14, 2025, at about 12 p.m.

    According to him, Damulak was abducted from his residence in Bwari, Abuja on Feb. 6, 2025, at about 5 a.m by suspected kidnappers.

    He said that Damulak escaped from his abductors and was found roaming around Pogo-Paiko highway, Minna.

    “Meanwhile, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts to locate his relatives are ongoing.”

    Abiodun also said that police operatives attached to Maitumbi division intercepted a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen cattle from Sarkin-pawa on Feb. 11.

    According to him, the team arrested five suspects and recovered 11 cows and 34 sheep.

    He said the suspects are under investigation and efforts to locate the rightful owner of the animals are ongoing.

  • Sad as police officer commits suicide by hanging in Niger

    Sad as police officer commits suicide by hanging in Niger

    An officer of the Nigeria Police Force, identified as ASP Shafi’u Usman Bawa  attached to 61 Police Mobile Force, Kontagora, the Headquarters of Kontagora LGA of Niger state has  reportedly killed himself.

    TheNewsGuru understands that the deceased allegedly committed suicide on Saturday afternoon. The officer’s lifeless body was discovered hanging from the ceiling of his room.

    A wireless message revealed that the deceased’s father, Mallam Usman Bawa, who resides in the Rigasa area of Kontagora, first raised the alarm and reported the matter at the Kontagora police division.

    Following the report, the deceased’s body was transported to the General Hospital in Kontagora, where a medical professional confirmed his death.

    The remains were subsequently released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic customs.

    An investigation into the incident is currently underway, and the police have stated that further updates will be provided as they become available.

    The wireless message reads:

    “Good afternoon, Sir.

    “Situation Report: On Saturday, 08/02/25, at approximately 1410 hours, Mr. Usman Bawa, residing in the Rigasa area of Kontagora Mine, approached the squadron base to report a tragic incident. His son, AP/No 337979 ASP Shafi’u Usman Bawa, has reportedly taken his own life by hanging himself from the ceiling.

    “The deceased was transported to the General Hospital in Kontagora, where a medical professional confirmed his death. The body has been released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic customs. This information is provided for your awareness, and any further developments will be communicated accordingly.

    “Yours sincerely,
    CO 61 PMF Kontagora,” the signal obtained by SaharaReporters reads.

  • Another fuel -laden tanker explodes in Niger

    Another fuel -laden tanker explodes in Niger

    Another fuel-laden tanker on Monday, January 27th exploded at Kusogbogi, located in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The incident which occurred at a boundary between Agaie and Lapai LGAs has raised concerns about the reocurrence of tanker explosions in the state.

    The incident comes a week after a fuel tanker exploded at Dikko in Gurara LGA of Niger State, leaving at least 98 persons dead, with many others severely injured.

    According to an eyewitness, Mallam Mahmud Abubakar, the tanker fell and was engulfed in fire while trying to overtake another truck.

    Abubakar further revealed that a tanker exploded on the spot last week.

    While attributing Tuesday’s incident to overspeeding and loss of control, he said last week’s explosion occurred when the tanker rammed into a stationary truck parked by the road, causing both trucks to burn.

    Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident said no life was lost.

    “There was a lone fuel tanker accident with a .fire explosion along Agaie/Lapai road,” the PPRO stated.

    “The fuel tanker with Reg. No. DKA 03 A, driven by one Shamsudeen Dayabu of Matazun Local Government Area of Katsina State on transit from Lagos to Kaduna and loaded with 40,000 litres of PMS.

    “No life was lost during the incident as the road was temporarily closed, but normalcy was later restored for road users.”