By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Niger State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection with two major criminal cases: the ₦4.8 billion theft and vandalism at the Kainji Power Plant, and a staged kidnapping attempt to extort ₦7 million.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement on Wednesday, said the first case followed a complaint filed on August 11, 2025, by Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd., operators of the Kainji Power Plant. An inspection revealed large-scale vandalism of navigation lock metals and beams.
Two plant supervisors, Shaibu Abu Sufyan (35) and Ibrahim Musa (31), were arrested and initially denied involvement.
However, Abu Sufyan later confessed, implicating ten security personnel under his command.
The suspects allegedly worked with scrap dealers from Nasarawa village, Mashegu LGA, who dismantled the metals using heavy equipment and acetylene gas, moving them secretly at night.
Investigations showed that Abu Sufyan and Musa received ₦12.5 million and ₦11.5 million, respectively, from the illegal sales.
The stolen materials were reportedly sold to companies in Lagos, Kwara, and Osun States. Police said efforts are ongoing to track other accomplices.
In a separate case, police uncovered a staged kidnapping in Minna, where two men conspired to extort ₦7 million from colleagues.
The incident was reported to Tudun-Wada Division on September 2, 2025, leading to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of 21 SIM cards linked to fraudulent activities under a fake network marketing group known as Quest Int’l Company.
The alleged victim, Ahmed Alh. Bura (21), and his accomplice, Shafiu Ibrahim (22), were arrested on September 17.
Police said the duo attended a car drifting event before faking Bura’s disappearance and demanding ransom in a fabricated kidnapping scheme. All suspects are currently in SCID custody in Minna and will be prosecuted.
Separately, the Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed on May 3, 2025, the arrest of four security personnel accused of aiding terrorist activities in the North-East. Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye disclosed that the arrests were made during operations between April 26 and 29 in Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali LGAs.
