A 23-year-old man, Lukman Umar, narrowly escaped being lynched by a mob in Suleja, Niger State, after he attempted to leave a canteen without paying for his meal.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that Umar, who resides at APC Quarters 1, Suleja, was about to be lynched near Kantoma Bridge before he was rescued by policemen attached to the Anti-Thuggery Unit, who were on routine patrol.

The Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, adding that during investigation, Umar allegedly confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate involved in stealing vehicles, motorcycles, and phones in the area.

Abiodun said, ?On October 19, 2025, at about 1 a.m., while on routine patrol, Lukman Umar, 23, of APC Quarters 1, Suleja, was found about to be lynched by a mob after taking a meal at a stall around Kantoma Bridge and attempting to flee without payment.

?Police operatives immediately intervened, and the suspect was rescued and arrested. During investigation, Umar confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate involved in vehicles, motorcycles, and phone theft.?

?He also named other members of his gang: Saifullahi Ibrahim, 34, of APC Quarters, Lawali, Garba, and Ayuba. Further investigation led to the arrest of Saifullahi Ibrahim at his residence in Dakwa, where three locally fabricated revolver guns and two knives were recovered.

?Both suspects stated that they often disguised themselves as community vigilantes to cover up their crimes.?

Abiodun added that investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate, who will be prosecuted once arrested. (Adapted from a report by Saturday PUNCH)

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