By YAHAYA ISAH

The Police Command in Niger has arrested five suspects for alleged criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command also recovered a Beretta pistol and two rounds of live ammunition from one of the suspects.

He disclosed this In a statement issued on Tuesday in Minna.

He said that on Aug. 11, at about 6.00 a.m., the Tudun-Wada Division received a report that armed robbers had invaded Sauka-Kahuta and carted away laptops.

He said the robbers also stole handsets, motorcycles and other valuables during the attack.

The PPRO said operatives of the division visited the scene after receiving the report, recovered some exhibits and commenced investigation.

Abiodun said the investigation led to the arrest of the gang leader, a 25-year-old man from Maitumbi area, on Aug. 17, behind the U.K. Bello Theatre Centre.

Abiodun said the suspect led detectives to arrest other members of the syndicate.

He said the other suspects included three men aged 27, 35 and 28, who were arrested at different locations in Niger and Nasarawa states.

Abiodun said the four suspects confessed to committing armed robbery around Mandela, Sauka-Kahuta, Barkin-Sale, Farm Centre and Highpoint areas of Minna.

He said the suspects also disclosed that a 50-year-old man from Maitumbi area kept their firearm.

“Police moved to the location on Aug. 19, arrested the man and recovered a Beretta pistol with two rounds of live ammunition in his possession,” the PPRO said.

Abiodun said further investigation revealed that the suspects usually sold the stolen items to a receiver identified as Ahmed, also known as Genuine, of Maitumbi area.

He said all the suspects were under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna.

He added that efforts to arrest Ahmed, the alleged receiver, were ongoing. (NAN)