The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers allegedly found in possession of three toy pistols and 16 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards in Minna.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Abiodun, the suspects were arrested at about 11:00 p.m. on July 14 by a police surveillance patrol team attached to the Tudun-Wada Division.
He said the suspects were intercepted while travelling in a tricycle near the M.I. Wushishi Estate junction, where a search led to the recovery of three plastic pistols and 16 expired ATM cards belonging to different banks.
During interrogation, the suspects claimed they found the ATM cards while scavenging in Lagos State.
However, the police spokesperson said investigators strongly suspect the pair had been using the toy pistols to rob unsuspecting residents around the M.I. Wushishi Estate area.
He added that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
In a separate operation, Abiodun said police operatives from the Tudun-Wada Division arrested five suspected thugs during a sting operation in the Sabon-Titi area of Tunga, Minna.
He said officers recovered a bag containing suspected cannabis, two knives, three cutlasses and two other dangerous weapons from the suspects.
According to Abiodun, the suspects claimed the weapons were intended for a Maulud celebration but admitted they were involved in recurring clashes with youths from the Tunga-Maje area.
He said all the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.