The Niger State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that bandits, disguised as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission abducted 10 hotel guests in Minna.
Reports claimed that armed men stormed White Hill Hotel on Shiroro Road, Chanchaga Local Government Area, disabled the CCTV cameras, and whisked away 10 individuals to an unknown location.
An unnamed Assistant Commissioner of Police was also quoted as saying that investigations were underway to identify the attackers and locate the victims.
However, in a statement on Sunday, the Niger State Police Command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, debunked the claims, clarifying that the operation was indeed carried out by EFCC operatives, not bandits.
“The Niger State Police Command wishes to respond to reports circulating in some online media that bandits attacked a hotel in Minna and abducted ten persons. This narrative is false. The operation was conducted by EFCC operatives,” Abiodun stated.
Corroborating the police statement, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the agency’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters during the raid.
“On Thursday, February 27, 2025, operatives of the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters at White Hill Hotel, Chanchaga LGA, Niger State, following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in fraudulent internet activities,” Oyewale said.
Recovered items from the suspects included two vehicles and 13 mobile phones of different brands.
“The commission’s operatives carried out the arrest professionally, with no motive or element of abduction,” Oyewale added, assuring that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigation
