The Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly operating under the guise of a Yansakai vigilante group in Mariga Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Alhassan Tanko, 25; Basiru Shaibu, 26; and Ishaya Umar, 28, all from Beri in Mariga LGA, were arrested on August 23, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the police.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping and armed robbery in Uraga village and surrounding communities.
The police spokesperson said the suspects confessed during interrogation that seven individuals had formed the syndicate, using the Yansakai vigilante group as a cover to carry out their criminal activities.
The command said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate.
