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Ex-Policeman Arrested for Impersonation and Robbery in Niger State

Introduction

In an important industry referring to public protection and legislation enforcement integrity in Nigeria, police government in Minna, Niger State, have apprehended a pushed aside officer accused of attractive in legal actions whilst posing as an active-duty policeman. The suspect, known as 30-year-old Haruna Haggai, was once arrested for alleged impersonation, motorbike snatching, and extortion. This case highlights the important problems with police vetting, the hazards of impersonation, and the felony penalties for many who exploit public consider for legal plan.

On January 16, 2026, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department and the Special Tactical Squad finished a focused operation in line with intelligence reviews and sufferer court cases. The arrest of Haggai brings to gentle a development of alleged legal conduct that spans a number of months, involving a couple of sufferers and really extensive monetary losses. This article supplies a complete research of the incident, the background of the suspect, and the wider implications for safety in Niger State.

Key Points

Background

The suspect, Haruna Haggai, was once pushed aside from the Nigeria Police Force previous to his contemporary alleged crimes. His dismissal, alternatively, didn’t deter him from using the authority and look related to the police to perpetrate fraud and theft. The arrest was once performed via specialised devices—the Force Intelligence Department and the Special Tactical Squad—demonstrating the seriousness with which the police hierarchy perspectives crimes dedicated via former officials.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, Haggai had established a development of legal conduct. He was once reported to be terrorizing the Sauka-Kahuta house and its environs. His creativity concerned now not handiest violent robbery but in addition mental manipulation, the usage of the status of the police uniform to intimidate sufferers into compliance.

It is pertinent to notice that this was once now not Haggai’s first come across with legislation enforcement businesses. In October 2025, he was once apprehended for impersonating officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During that incident, he allegedly extorted ₦400,000 from a sufferer. The choice to free up him at the moment was once in line with an out-of-court agreement, a felony mechanism that, whilst supposed to unravel disputes with out incarceration, seems to were inadequate to discourage his recidivism. This historical past underscores the complexity of managing former safety workforce who would possibly possess the information and demeanor to convincingly impersonate energetic officials.

Analysis of the Incident

The particular incident resulting in Haggai’s arrest befell on January 14, 2026, alongside the Kpakungu Road in Minna. The modus operandi concerned an immediate interception of a civilian, in particular the rider of a Jincheng motorbike.

The Modus Operandi

Haggai applied a vintage intimidation success commonplace amongst police impersonators. By flashing a badge or dressed in a uniform, he pressured the sufferer to forestall. Once keep watch over was once established, he escalated the placement via accusing the sufferer of a criminal offense—on this case, fraud. This accusation serves a twin goal: it justifies the seizure of the sufferer’s assets (the motorbike) and creates a mental setting the place the sufferer feels pressured to pay a “bail” or “positive” to keep away from going to a police station.

Following the preliminary seizure of the motorbike, Haggai transported the sufferer round Minna. He ultimately stopped within the Garatu house, the place he extorted ₦150,000 from the sufferer. After securing the cash and the motorbike, he deserted the sufferer. The monetary loss was once vital, however the mental trauma of being robbed via any person posing as a protector of the legislation is similarly destructive.

Investigation and Recovery

The investigation was once brought on via an immediate grievance from the sufferer. Intelligence reviews accrued via the Force Intelligence Department allowed operatives to trace Haggai to his place of abode in Sauka-Kahuta. The swift restoration of the stolen motorbike is a good result, serving as tangible proof for the prosecution.

SP Wasiu Abiodun’s commentary confirms that the police are treating this as a high-priority case. The inclusion of the suspect’s earlier data within the present price sheet suggests a transfer towards making sure that Haggai does now not get pleasure from felony loopholes or settlements this time round.

Practical Advice for Citizens

Cases of police impersonation are on the upward push, making it very important for voters to know the way to give protection to themselves. While the police are tasked with keeping up order, folks will have to stay vigilant.

Verifying Police Authority

If stopped via legislation enforcement officials, voters have the appropriate to make sure their identification. Genuine cops in Nigeria normally have a sound id card (ID card) and are assigned to precise divisions. If you might be stopped for a site visitors offense or a test, you’ll be able to in a well mannered way request to peer the officer’s ID. Furthermore, professional police operations infrequently contain taking a suspect’s car to a far off location with out correct documentation or an immediate commute to the closest station.

What to Do If Stopped

1. Stay Calm: Do now not face up to bodily, as it will escalate the placement.

2. Ask for Identification: Request to peer the officer’s ID card. Look for the particular police command inscribed at the card.

3. Request a Trip to the Station: If you might be accused of a criminal offense, insist on being taken to the closest police station relatively than a personal location. Impersonators ceaselessly keep away from stations as a result of their ruse shall be uncovered.

4. Call for Help: If you’re feeling threatened, don’t hesitate to lift an alarm or name the police emergency line (112 in Nigeria) to file the incident.

Reporting Impersonation

As noticed when it comes to Haruna Haggai, intelligence and sufferer reviews are an important for arrests. If you come across suspicious folks claiming to be cops, file them right away to the closest police station or by the use of the Nigeria Police Force social media channels. Do now not have interaction in monetary settlements with suspected impersonators.

FAQ

Conclusion

The arrest of Haruna Haggai serves as a stark reminder of the demanding situations legislation enforcement businesses face in keeping up the integrity of the drive and protective the general public from legal components. While nearly all of cops serve with honor, incidents involving pushed aside officials exploiting their former standing erode public consider.

The swift motion taken via the Force Intelligence Department and the Special Tactical Squad in Minna demonstrates a dedication to duty. As the case strikes to court docket, it is going to be intently watched to make sure that justice is served. For the general public, this incident reinforces the significance of vigilance and the need of verifying the identification of someone claiming to constitute the legislation. The restoration of the stolen motorbike and the approaching prosecution be offering a measure of closure to the sufferers and sign that no person is above the legislation.