Police arrest man with gun, military camouflage in Niger

Police operatives in Niger State have arrested a 30-year-old man, Agada Isaac, in possession of a Beretta pistol and military camouflage items in Bida.

The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday by officers attached to the ‘B’ Division during routine patrol near a temporary checkpoint in Bida Local Government Area.

According to the police, the suspect attempted to flee on sighting the operatives, raising suspicion.

“On sighting the Police operatives, he stepped down from the motorcycle and took to his heels, which raised a strong suspicion,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said.

He said the operatives pursued and arrested the suspect near his residence close to the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

Abiodun disclosed that a search conducted on the spot led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, while further search of the suspect’s residence yielded a military camouflage cap, knickers, and a jacket.

“The suspect was arrested, and during the on-the-spot search, he was found with a Beretta pistol. In a further search of his residence, a military camouflage cap, knickers, and a jacket were recovered,” he added.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the Vikings cult group and claimed he purchased the pistol from a man identified as Gideon, also known as “Starboy,” in Suleja for N300,000.

He also stated that he works as a campus photographer and received the camouflage from a friend.

Abiodun said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest the alleged arms supplier and other accomplices.