Niger State Community Where Police Officer Was Shot Dead, Vigilante Killed Begs For Police Post | Sahara Reporters

According to the residents, the size and growing population of the community, as well as its proximity to the Kaduna-Abuja route, make the establishment of a police post particularly important.

Residents of Sandaco area of Rafinseyi, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, have called for urgent security intervention following a series of armed robbery attacks that have resulted in deaths, injuries and the loss of valuable properties.

The residents, who spoke with SaharaReporters, said the recurring attacks have created fear and uncertainty in the community, while calling on the security authorities to establish a police post in the area to improve response to criminal activities.

According to the residents, the size and growing population of the community, as well as its proximity to the Kaduna-Abuja route, make the establishment of a police post particularly important.

One of the residents recounted how armed robbers entered her home while she was away at work and carted away most of her household possessions.

“They came in the afternoon and carted away my properties, I was away at work and my neighbours were also away. I lost the majority of my household items to that singular act,” the victim noted.

The residents said the security situation has persisted for years, with several incidents recorded in and around the Sandaco area.

In September 2025, a Divisional Crime Officer of Division A Police Station in Suleja, SP Ayuba Micah, was killed after armed men reportedly attacked his residence around the Sandaco Hotel area.

SaharaReporters’ findings from sources familiar with the incident revealed that the gunmen attacked Micah’s house and shot him dead, an incident that reportedly threw the area into panic.

“His house was attacked by armed men, immediately they killed him, they left the scene. It seems their motive was to kill him in the first place,” a source told SaharaReporters.

Residents reportedly mobilised to assist the police officer after the attack, but it was too late to save him.

Micah was among 204 police personnel promoted by the Niger State Police Command in January 2025. SaharaReporters’ findings showed that he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police.

Residents said the condition of his residence remains a reminder of the violence that occurred there.

The community was again thrown into fear in August 2026 when armed robbers reportedly killed a vigilante official who was attempting to stop a robbery.

“The security personnel was trying to stop an armed robbery, they hit him on the neck with a cutlass and he died from the bleeding and injuries sustained,” a source told SaharaReporters.

The killing, residents said, heightened concerns over the activities of criminals in the area and the risks faced by those attempting to protect the community.

Another resident of Sandaco told SaharaReporters that thieves also broke into his residence in the early hours of August 2026 and stole phones, laptops and other valuables.

“They came in the midnight and broke through the windows, they carted away valuables such as phones, laptops and took other valuables. Thankfully, they did not injure anyone,” the victim, who asked not to be named, told SaharaReporters.

Residents attributed part of the security challenge to the area’s road network, particularly a bushy road that connects the community to the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

“There is a bush like road that leads to Kaduna-Abuja expressway from the Sandaco area. The criminals who storm the place have easy access and exit because of the span of the road,” a resident familiar with the security situation in the area told SaharaReporters.

According to the residents, the route provides criminals with an escape route after attacks, making it difficult for residents and local security personnel to respond effectively.

The community also expressed concern over the absence of a police facility in or around the area, saying the lack of police presence has left residents vulnerable.

“There is a need for police presence in the area. For a large area as such, absence of police post is a major concern and exposes the residents to these criminal activities.”

Residents said they had also attempted to find community-based solutions to the security challenge by engaging local vigilantes, but those efforts have not produced the desired results.

“Residents have made efforts to engage local vigilante to ensure security but that has not materialised and the same incidents keep happening.”

When contacted about the development, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed it, adding that efforts were underway to strengthen community-police relations.

“Based on our findings, for over three months, there was no incident of robbery in the area as a result of police/community cooperation and intervention,” he said. “The last incident recorded was the attack on a vigilante man which was over three months ago, while the police and the community have placed some preventive measures in place, which are very helpful.”

Residents however say criminals continue to parade the area despite these claims and efforts Police state are in place.

The residents are therefore calling for urgent intervention from the police and other security agencies, particularly the establishment of a police post, increased patrols and improved security presence in the community.

They warned that without prompt action, the repeated attacks could further undermine the safety of residents and turn the area into a hotspot for criminal activities.