The Niger State Police Command has arrested at least 14 suspects in connection with two major crimes — a massive theft and vandalism at the Kainji Power Plant worth more than ₦4.8 billion, and a staged kidnapping aimed at extorting a ₦7 million ransom.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the first case was reported by Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd on August 11, 2025.
“Inspection at the navigation lock yard of the Kainji Power Plant revealed that critical metals and beams had been vandalised and carted away. Following investigations, two supervisors were initially arrested, and further confessions linked ten other security personnel to the crime,” Abiodun stated.
Those arrested include Shaibu Abu Sufyan (35) and Ibrahim Musa (31), both security supervisors, who allegedly conspired with colleagues and scrap dealers in Mashegu Local Government Area to steal and sell the metals. Police said heavy equipment and acetylene gas were used to dismantle the parts, which were later transported by trucks at night.
“Investigations traced ₦12.5 million transactions to Abu Sufyan and ₦11.5 million to Ibrahim Musa. The stolen items were sold to companies in Lagos, Kwara, and Osun states,” the spokesperson added.
The Command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest the scrap dealers identified as Musa Khalid, Abah Khalid, and Abdullahi, who allegedly bought the stolen metals.
In a separate case, police uncovered a staged abduction involving two young men who faked a kidnapping to extort money from their colleagues.
The case was reported on September 2, 2025, at the Tudun-Wada Division in Minna, leading to the arrest of nine suspects. Technical intelligence later helped operatives trace the supposed victim, Ahmed Alh. Bura (21) of Bauchi, and his alleged abductor, Shafiu Ibrahim (22) of Makujeri.
According to Abiodun, “The duo attended a car drifting event and conspired to disappear afterwards. They demanded ₦7 million ransom from their colleagues under the guise of a kidnapping. Both suspects are now in police custody at SCID Minna.”
He assured that all suspects connected to the two incidents would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
