The Niger State Police Command has arrested 13 additional suspects linked to the theft and vandalisation of navigation lock metals and beams worth over ₦4.8 billion at the Kainji Power Plant.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, noting that all suspects are in custody and assisting with the ongoing investigation.
According to Abiodun, the latest arrests followed a detailed investigation into an earlier case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, on August 12, 2025.
Among those arrested are two employees of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MSEL) — Abubakar Jibril, 51, a storekeeper from Borgu Local Government Area, and Abdullateef Musa, 53, a business risk and internal control officer from Kwara State.
Police investigations revealed that both staff members allegedly conspired to steal 100 new 40-amp batteries from the company’s store. The duo reportedly concealed the batteries among items marked for auction, sold them, and shared the proceeds.
Abiodun further disclosed that several other suspects — including security personnel and cleaners at the power plant — also took part in the theft and sale of the vandalised materials.
Those named include Aliyu Salihu (42), Ishaq Suleiman Adam (35), Timothy Joseph (32), and Abdulmalik Jimmy Gudah (33), who were security guards on duty and allegedly helped in disposing of the stolen items.
Two cleaners, Joseph Steven (36) and Babangida Abdullahi (42), were also accused of participating in the theft.
Others arrested are Labaran Haruna (20), Haruna Usman (40), Shuaibu Hassan (48), Musa Salihu (24), and Sabon Mati (47) — the latter reportedly a national of Niger Republic.
“The suspects are currently undergoing further interrogation to assist in tracking other accomplices, recovering the stolen items, and ensuring their prosecution,” Abiodun stated.
Police had earlier apprehended 12 suspects in connection with the same ₦4.8 billion theft at the Kainji Power Plant before this latest round of arrests.