The Niger State Police Command has made a significant arrest, capturing a man suspected of being a prolific pickpocket and house breaker in Minna. The operation led to the recovery of a cache of twenty-two SIM cards from the suspect.
Intelligence Leads to Hotel Arrest
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the arrest was made on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following a tip-off. The command had received credible intelligence on January 6, 2026, at about 10:00 AM, about a suspicious individual loitering at a hotel in Minna.
Acting swiftly on the information, detectives from the Minna Police Area Command mobilized to the scene. There, they apprehended the suspect, identified as Usman Umar, a 35-year-old from the Dala area of Kano State.
Stolen Goods and Criminal Confession
Upon his arrest, a search revealed incriminating items in Umar's possession. The police recovered twenty-two (22) SIM cards, one Redmi phone, one Infinix phone, and one Itel button phone.
During interrogation, Umar confessed to being a professional cutpurse. He specialized in snatching mobile phones from unsuspecting victims at various markets, including locations in Lagos State. He admitted to selling the stolen devices to receivers at different points but deliberately retained the SIM cards for other criminal purposes.
A Detour for More Crime
The suspect provided a detailed account of his movements. He stated that he was en route to Kano from Lagos after disposing of stolen phones. However, due to incomplete transportation fare, he decided to stop and lodge in a Minna hotel.
It was there that he attempted to steal compressors from refrigerators and air conditioners to fund his journey. Umar confessed to having already successfully vandalized compressors from about three hotel rooms, selling them to receivers in Suleja. He had returned to the hotel to steal more items when the police caught him.
Next Steps for the Police
SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation. He will be charged to court for prosecution in due course. Meanwhile, the police are making concerted efforts to locate and identify the rightful owners of the recovered phones and SIM cards.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the Niger State Police to combat crimes of opportunity and organized theft within the state.
