NIGER POLICE COMMAND CLARIFIES INCIDENT INVOLVING TEAR GAS NEAR A MOSQUE IN MINNA

The Niger State Police Command has observed a viral video circulating on social media alleging that Police personnel deliberately fired tear gas at worshippers in a mosque along Ogbomosho Street, Minna, and wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This clarification is contained in a press statement by the police PRO SP Wasiu Abiodun.

It stated that on 25th September 2026, at about 7.45pm, Police operatives attached to ‘A’ Division, Minna, received information on the whereabouts of a notorious wanted suspected miscreants identified as “El-Hussain,” who was sighted along Ogbomosho Street.

Acting on the information, the Police patrol team proceeded to the area and successfully arrested the suspect. However, other suspected hoodlums in the vicinity mobilised and overpowered the Police team resulting in the escape of the suspect.

The situation subsequently became tense as the suspected hoodlums attacked the Police team. In an effort to disperse the attackers and extricate themselves from the situation, the operatives deployed tear gas canisters. Unfortunately, due to the direction of the wind, the resulting smoke drifted towards a nearby mosque, causing temporary discomfort to worshippers.

The Command wishes to categorically clarify that the tear gas was not deliberately fired or directed at the worshippers or the mosque. The incident occurred as an unintended consequence of the deployment of tear gas in response to the attack on the Police personnel.

Nevertheless, the Niger State Police Command sincerely regrets the inconvenience and discomfort caused to the worshippers and tenders apologies to the affected persons.

The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property, respect for human rights and the diligent discharge of its constitutional responsibilities while maintaining public safety and security.