Dutch police have arrested one Nigerian national following an armed robbery at a Nigerian-owned shop in Amsterdam on Tuesday evening, February 18, 2026. Two other suspects escaped.
According to statements from the Amsterdam Police and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media, the three armed men entered the shop (located in the Bijlmer area, which has a significant Nigerian community) around 7:45 p.m. They threatened staff and customers with firearms, stole cash, mobile phones and other valuables before fleeing on foot.
A short chase ensued after police received multiple emergency calls. One suspect was apprehended within minutes a few streets away; the other two remain at large. The arrested man (identity not yet released) is in custody and being questioned.
This is reportedly the third armed robbery targeting Nigerian-owned businesses in the same neighbourhood within the past six months. Previous incidents occurred in September and December 2025 both involving similar tactics and also linked to Nigerian suspects.
Reactions in Nigeria & Diaspora The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians expressing shame and frustration over the damage to the country’s image abroad.
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Common sentiments include:
“Very shameful! We are giving our beloved country a bad name again.”
“Why must Nigerians always be the ones bringing disgrace to us in Europe? Enough is enough.”
“Diaspora criminals are destroying everything hardworking Nigerians in Holland have built.”
Several community leaders in Amsterdam’s Nigerian quarter have called for urgent town-hall meetings to address rising criminality involving a small minority of Nigerians in the Netherlands.
Dutch authorities have not yet confirmed nationality of the suspects in official statements, but multiple Nigerian eyewitnesses and diaspora media outlets have identified the arrested man as Nigerian.
The Dutch police have appealed for any witnesses or CCTV footage to come forward.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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