Vigilantes arrested over alleged murder in Niger

The police in Niger State have arrested a vigilante leader in Farin-Shinge village, Kontagora LGA, identified as Danbaba, along with an accomplice known as “Smally,” over allegations of robbery and culpable homicide.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests in a statement.

He identified the victim as 32-year-old Umar Bingel of the Dadin-Kowa area, Kontagora.

Bingel was reportedly intercepted by suspected vigilante members on February 12, 2026, while returning home from the market near Government Day Secondary School, Kontagora.

Abiodun explained that the victim was abducted along with his motorcycle and the sum of N1.5 million—proceeding from the sale of his cattle.

“Upon receipt of this report, police operatives attached to the Kontagora Area Command commenced an investigation which led to the arrest of Suleiman Umar, Tanko Sale, and Rabiu Bako, all of whom are vigilante members in Kontagora,” Abiodun stated.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having knowledge of the group responsible for the act. They stated that the victim was killed by a vigilante group led by Danbaba and Smally, both of Farin-Shinge village,” he added.

The police spokesperson noted that the principal suspect, Danbaba, was apprehended on February 15, 2026. He subsequently led police operatives to the scene where the victim’s body had been dumped in a pit. The decomposed body was recovered and taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, before being released to the family for burial.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects, he said, included the victim’s Bajaj motorcycle, three locally made guns, two Dane guns, and four rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.