The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspected hired assassins in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area, for allegedly plotting to kill a man over a marital grudge.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the arrest in Minna on Saturday, said operatives and vigilantes intercepted the suspects during a patrol around the Beji railway crossing on August 23.
A search reportedly uncovered a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and ₦13,000 cash.
The suspects, aged 40 and 35, allegedly confessed they were contracted by one Dogo of Beji to eliminate a man who had married his former wife.
According to police, the suspects agreed to execute the killing for ₦100,000 and were on their way to collect the balance when they were apprehended. Preliminary investigation revealed that Dogo had already given them ₦13,000 as transport fare.
The command said the suspects are being held at the Maikunkele Division before transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the alleged mastermind, Dogo.
In a separate operation, police operatives also arrested nine suspected thugs in Minna for allegedly terrorising residents.
Abiodun said the Anti-Thuggery Squad raided Soje A, Soje B and Kpakungu between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on August 26, recovering two suspected stolen solar batteries, knives, cutlasses and a digger.
The suspects are currently under investigation at the SCID.