Fake EFCC operatives arrested for abducting, robbing students in Niger

DDM News

Three men who posed as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been arrested by the Niger State Police Command for allegedly abducting, robbing, and attempting to extort students in Lapai town.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the suspects were intercepted following a swift police operation led by officers of the Lapai Division.

The individuals identified as Emmanuel Linus, 30, Hyelda Aliyu, 28, and Abduljallid Tanko, 33, reportedly stormed a student residence off-campus and kidnapped two students at gunpoint.

However, the “guns” used in the operation were later discovered to be electric tasers disguised as firearms, used to instill fear in their victims.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, the incident occurred on the evening of May 13, 2025.

The impostors invaded the lodge, stole five mobile phones from students, and forced two victims into a Toyota Corolla with registration number ABJ 245 CU.

They later demanded a ransom of N10 million from the victims’ families but reduced the demand to N500,000 after negotiations.

Following a distress alert, police officers from Lapai swiftly mobilized and gave chase, tracking the vehicle to Suleja Road by Kwakuti.

Three of the suspects were apprehended during the operation, while a fourth, identified as Alfa James, managed to escape.

During police interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and admitted that the operation was made possible through information provided by two informants.

The informants, Mohammed Hassan and Hamisu Adamu, residents of Angwan-Hausa in Lapai, were also arrested.

They reportedly knew Emmanuel Linus from Paiko and shared details about the students’ activities and location.

It was further revealed that the fake EFCC identification cards used during the crime were designed and printed in a shop located in Nyanya, Abuja.

The police identified Emmanuel Linus as a dismissed soldier with a previous criminal record and confirmed that he had served time in prison in the past two years.

All five suspects are now in police custody and are being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

They are expected to face charges in court as soon as the ongoing investigation is concluded.

This incident highlights the rising trend of criminals impersonating officials of law enforcement agencies to perpetrate abductions, fraud, and extortion.

The EFCC has repeatedly warned the public to beware of impostors who exploit the agency’s name to deceive and exploit unsuspecting individuals.

Residents and students in Lapai have called for heightened security, especially around student hostels, as impersonators continue to pose serious threats to community safety.

The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and dismantle any networks aiding such criminal acts.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for public vigilance and stronger inter-agency collaboration to prevent future occurrences.

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