The Niger State Police Command has apprehended three individuals for the theft of 132 rams in Mashegu Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement released by SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command’s spokesperson, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, the suspects confessed to collaborating in the rustling of the animals from two different owners.
“On 14/03/2024 at about 0900hrs, acting on received intelligence, Police operatives from Zungeru Division, in conjunction with vigilante members, apprehended the following suspects: Mohammed Abdullahi Chumo, 30 years old, from Ukoro, Kwara State; Aliyu Salihu, 20 years old, from Gwadabawa, Sokoto State; and Arzika Ahmadu, 25 years old, also from Gwadabawa, Sokoto State,” the statement stated.
The suspects admitted during interrogation to conspiring and rustling 132 rams from two victims who were grazing the animals around the Manigi area of Mashegu LGA.
Fortunately, one of the victims spotted a member of the gang, Chumo, at Zungeru Market attempting to sell six of the rams. The victim alerted the authorities, leading to Chumo’s arrest. Chumo then guided the police to Jimi village, where the rest of the stolen rams were hidden, and Aliyu and Arzika were subsequently apprehended.
“The suspects have been transferred to the Crack Squad unit for thorough investigation and prosecution, while the rams have been returned to their rightful owner,” the statement concluded.
