Niger Govt warns Minna communities harbouring criminals

The Niger State Government has issued a stern warning to communities within the Minna metropolis against harbouring criminals or failing to report them to the appropriate security agencies.

It stated unequivocally that any community found to be concealing criminal elements would face dire consequences.

The warning was delivered by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, during a night operation conducted in collaboration with various security agencies across Minna.

The team included the Commissioner of Police, operatives from the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and vigilante group, among others, as they visited major flashpoints in and around the state capital.

During the sting operation, Comrade Garba also met with traditional rulers of the affected communities, urging them to identify and expose criminal elements within their domains. He stressed that failure to do so would attract the full weight of the law.

The deputy governor further directed security operatives to intensify efforts in identifying trouble-prone areas, apprehend those involved in criminal activities, and restore peace across Minna and its environs.

He also called on the general public to report any criminal activity to the authorities without delay and encouraged residents of the visited communities to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

Areas covered during the operation included Dutsen Kura, Kpakungu, Soje A & B, Morris Area, Tudun Wada Police Station, Maitumbi, Central Police Station Minna, Area Command Limawa, and Ketaren Gwari.

It will be recalled that the Niger State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, recently announced the arrest of 61 suspects in connection with thuggery, youth restiveness, and armed robbery across various parts of Minna.