Dismissed Police Officer Apprehended in Minna for Multiple Criminal Offenses
The Niger State Police Command has made a significant arrest, capturing a dismissed police officer, Haruna Haggai, for a series of alleged crimes including impersonation of security personnel, motorcycle theft, and extortion of residents. This development underscores ongoing efforts to combat urban crime in the state.
Details of the Arrest and Criminal Activities
According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, the arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Haggai, a 30-year-old resident of Sauka-Kahuta in Minna, was taken into custody on January 16, 2026, at approximately 10:00 PM. The operation was conducted by operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS), acting on technical intelligence and a direct complaint from one of his victims.
The suspect allegedly posed as both an EFCC official and a police officer, using these false identities to harass and terrorize members of the public in the Sauka-Kahuta area and its surroundings. His criminal activities involved extorting money and robbing victims of their valuables, creating fear among residents.
Specific Incidents and Previous Offenses
One notable incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when Haggai intercepted a victim riding a Jincheng motorcycle along Kpakungu road. Impersonating a policeman, he intimidated the rider, forcefully seized the motorcycle, and then transported the victim around town. Ultimately, he extorted a sum of one hundred and fifty thousand naira from the individual around Garatu, falsely labeling him as a fraudster before abandoning him and taking the motorcycle away.
This is not Haggai's first encounter with the law. He was dismissed from the police force in 2017/2018 and has a history of similar crimes. In October 2025, he was arrested with an accomplice for forcefully collecting a motorcycle (referred to as "rubber rubber") around Shiroro road while impersonating an EFCC official. On that occasion, he extorted four hundred thousand naira from the victim.
Following that arrest, Haggai was charged to court for prosecution. However, he was later released based on an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which involved an out-of-court settlement with the complainant. Despite this, he continued his criminal behavior, leading to the recent apprehension.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Niger State Police Command has emphasized its commitment to eradicating or reducing urban crime through proactive measures. In the statement, SP Wasiu Abiodun highlighted that the arrest was part of these continuous efforts. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing a thorough investigation, and the stolen motorcycle has been recovered from him.
Haggai will face charges in court again for prosecution, with authorities taking into account his record of previous offenses. This case serves as a reminder of the challenges in dealing with repeat offenders and the importance of robust legal processes to ensure justice is served.
The arrest has brought relief to residents in the affected areas, who had been subjected to harassment and financial losses. It also highlights the need for vigilance and community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
