Authorities apprehend pair of alleged thieves found with fake firearms in Niger

In a notable crackdown, the Niger Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of armed robbery, with authorities seizing three toy pistols and 16 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards in their possession in Minna.

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Details of the arrest were provided by SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, in a statement released on Wednesday in Minna, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The suspects were taken into custody at approximately 11:00 p.m. on July 14 by a police surveillance patrol team from the Tudun-Wada Division, according to Abiodun, who outlined the events leading to their capture.

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The arrest occurred when the suspects were intercepted in a tricycle near the M.I. Wushishi Estate junction, where a subsequent search yielded three plastic pistols and 16 expired ATM cards from various banks, Abiodun explained.

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During questioning, the suspects alleged that they had discovered the ATM cards while scavenging in Lagos State, a claim that has been met with skepticism by the authorities, with Abiodun indicating that the suspects were likely using the toy pistols to target unsuspecting residents in the area.

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Investigations into the matter are currently underway, with Abiodun stating that the police believe the suspects were utilizing the toy pistols to carry out robberies in the M.I. Wushishi Estate area.

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In a separate incident, police operatives attached to the Tudun-Wada Division conducted a sting operation in the Sabon-Titi area of Tunga, Minna, resulting in the arrest of five suspected thugs, according to Abiodun.

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A search of the suspects yielded a range of exhibits, including a bag containing suspected cannabis, two knives, three cutlasses, and two other dangerous weapons, which were confiscated by the authorities.

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The suspects claimed that the weapons were intended for use during a Maulud celebration and admitted to engaging in clashes with youths from the Tunga-Maje area, providing insight into their motivations and activities.

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The suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue, with Abiodun providing updates on the status of the case.