The Nigeria Police Force, Niger State Police Command has Umar Shehu who is alleged to be the supplier of arms to bandits operating in Niger, Kastina and Kaduna.
Newsonline reports that the 31-year-old Umar Shehu an indigene of Katsina State was arrested at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local government.
In a statement released by Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said Umar confessed to have supplied arms to bandits in Niger, Katsina and Kaduna states.
Abiodun added that the suspect also confessed during interrogation that he supplied arms and ammunition to bandits in Madaki Forest, Katsina; Ganai camp in Maidaro Forest, Kaduna; and a syndicate member terrorizing Kwamba/Maje area of Suleja.
He further said Umar confessed to have purchased arms from one Abdulmani from Taraba State who was neutralized in Kaduna by FIB squad earlier this year, adding that he got N100,000 from every 500 ammunition he delivered to any bandits’ camp.
Also, the police in the state have arrested one 30-year-old Nasiru Musa, suspected to be an informant to bandits who have been terrorizing Tegina town in Rafi LGA.
Abiodun said the suspect, who was arrested alongside six others, was responsible for the kidnapping of four people and killing two of them in Tegina.
READ ALSO: Ogun Police Arrest 3 Herdsmen For Kidnapping, Rescue Victims
Part of the statement read, “It would be recalled that on 14/11/2021 at about 2000hrs, bandits invaded Tegina town, Rafi LGA, shooting sporadically and abducted four persons: one Aminu Garba and three others into Kagara Forest.
“Unfortunately, two of the victims, Aminu Garba and one other, were killed by the kidnappers after collecting a ransom of N13m.
“On 29/08/2022, based on technical intelligence, one Nasiru Musa (30) was arrested in Tegina in connection with the crime.”
The police spokesperson said during interrogation the suspect confessed to have conspired with one Lelwi, presently at large, who connected him with one Gwaskan-Daji, also at large, and several others to kidnap the victims.
The suspect, who claimed to have benefitted N200,000 from the crime’s proceeds, also said he was planning to kidnap the Chairman of Rafi LGA before his arrest.