Police arrest 3 suspected fake Yansakai members over kidnapping, killings in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly operating under the guise of a Yansakai vigilante group in Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Alhassan Tanko, 25; Basiru Shaibu, 26; and Ishaya Umar, 28, all from Beri in Mariga LGA, were arrested on August 23, 2026, following credible information received by the police.

According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping and armed robbery in Uraga village and surrounding areas.

The PRO explained that the suspects confessed during interrogation that seven people had formed the syndicate under the cover of a Yansakai vigilante group to carry out criminal activities.

The suspects also allegedly told investigators that members of the group had killed at least three victims during their kidnapping operations within Mariga LGA and stolen their motorcycles.

According to him, investigation further revealed that the stolen motorcycles were sold to one Awalu of Beri, prompting efforts to arrest the alleged receiver.

A search of the suspects’ houses, Abiodun disclosed, also led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle.

He further said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the alleged syndicate and the person suspected of receiving the stolen motorcycles, adding that the suspects remain in police custody for further investigation.