In a bold operation aimed at tackling crime, the Niger State Police Command has arrested 20 suspected criminals during a late-night raid in Suleja, a town that borders the Federal Capital Territory and serves as a key transit hub for residents traveling between Abuja and Kaduna.

The raid took place on Saturday night, June 14, through the early hours of Sunday, June 15, and was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maje Division along with the Suleja Area Command’s patrol teams.

According to the police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, the operation focused on several identified blackspots and hideouts notorious for criminal activity. The goal, he explained, was to reduce the growing threat of drug abuse and street crime in the Suleja area.

What the Police Found

The suspects were caught with:

3 machetes

134 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis

24 sachets of tramadol

264 other illegal drugs, including bottles of codeine

2 Bajaj motorcycles

Many of the arrested individuals could not provide any valid explanation for their presence at these locations during the operation.

Identities of the Suspects

The police released the names and ages of the suspects, who are mostly young men aged between 18 and 34. They were arrested in areas like Kaduna Road, Dikko Junction, Hayin-Kaduna, and Gauraka in Suleja.

The arrested individuals include:

Bello Habu (18)

Mohammed Idris (22)

Michael Aitesebaomo (33)

Emmanuel Samuel (34)

Williams John (20)

and 15 others.

Next Steps

All 20 suspects have been transferred to the Suleja Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Police say the raid is part of an ongoing effort to make Suleja and surrounding areas safer for residents and commuters.

“This operation shows our commitment to removing criminal elements and curbing drug abuse within our communities,” Abiodun said.