Niger Police arrest scamsters, including Victor Ugwu and Minna phone snatchers, cracking down on dating scams, online fraud, and street theft.
The Niger Police arrest scamsters in a major crackdown on online fraud and street crime, leading to the apprehension of an 18-year-old Victor Ugwu and a trio of Minna phone snatchers.
The operation highlights the command’s commitment to tackling scams and theft in both online and public spaces.
According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Public Relations Officer of Niger State Police, Victor Ugwu was arrested for a dating scam and obtaining money by false pretences.
Victor reportedly disguised himself as a woman to defraud his friend, Peter, who had sought Victor’s help to connect with a female colleague. Instead of linking them, Victor dressed in female clothing, took self-portraits, and sent the images to Peter via social media, requesting money.
The suspect admitted that the scam was also shared on Facebook and TikTok to gain followers and monetization revenue.
“On October 16, 2025, at about 6:00 pm, a patrol team attached to Maje Division intercepted Victor Ugwu along Kaduna Road after a public altercation with Peter,” the statement read.
A search of his home recovered female clothing and a wig, confirming the use of disguise in executing the dating scam.
In a separate incident, the Niger Police arrest scamsters operation led to the arrest of three suspected phone snatchers in Minna. On October 12, 2025, at approximately 3:30 pm, a distress call from Kure Market reported that criminals using unregistered tricycles were snatching phones from unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspects, identified as Hassan Abdullahi, 19, of Abdulsalam Motor-Park; Abubakar Ali, 25, of Chanchaga; and Kalipha Bashiru, 21, of Bosso, were apprehended by a police patrol team. Victims recovered their stolen phones and confirmed that the suspects were responsible for repeated theft and other criminal activities around the market.
The Niger State Police operations continue to demonstrate a proactive approach in curbing online fraud and street crime. SP Abiodun emphasized that the suspects are under investigation and will soon be charged to court.
He also advised residents to exercise caution when engaging with strangers on social media and to report suspicious activities immediately.
Experts note that dating scams like that of Victor Ugwu are increasingly common on social media platforms, exploiting emotional vulnerabilities to extort money.
Meanwhile, street crimes such as phone snatching remain prevalent in crowded urban areas. The swift police intervention in Minna highlights the importance of timely response and community cooperation in reducing criminal incidents.
The Niger Police arrest scamsters strategy focuses on protecting citizens, enforcing the law, and deterring criminal activities. By addressing online fraud and street-level theft together, the command strengthens public confidence in law enforcement.
Residents are reminded to stay vigilant, avoid sharing money or personal information with unknown contacts, and report suspicious behavior to the authorities.
The recent arrests of Victor Ugwu and the Minna phone snatchers underline that the Niger State Police are committed to ensuring justice and public safety.
Through these operations, the Niger State Police demonstrate that criminal activities—whether online or in public—will not be tolerated.
The ongoing investigations and forthcoming prosecutions serve as a warning to would-be offenders, reinforcing the message that crime in Niger State carries consequences.
The Niger Police arrest scamsters operations remain active, with authorities continuously monitoring social media platforms and urban areas for potential threats. Citizens are encouraged to collaborate with the police to safeguard their communities and support the fight against scams, theft, and fraud in Niger State.
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