Nasarawa Police Parade 25 Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Recover Firearms Across State

The Nasarawa State Police Command has apprehended 25 suspects — 24 alleged kidnappers and one armed robber — following a series of coordinated operations across the state.

The Command also recovered three firearms, eight rounds of ammunition, and rescued several kidnap victims unharmed.

Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, disclosed this on Friday, during a press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters in Lafia, where he presented the Command’s latest operational achievements.

“The purpose of today’s engagement is to point out the significant progress recorded by the Command in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality within Nasarawa State,” CP Mohammed said.

According to him, the arrests and recoveries were achieved through intelligence-led operations carried out by various divisions, supported by the community and sister security agencies.

Mohammed stated that on October 14, police operatives rescued a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson, who was abducted in Shabu area of Lafia.

Three suspects, Asabe Isah, her husband Isah Umar, and Emmanuel Polycarp, were arrested after demanding a ₦15 million ransom. The child was safely reunited with his family two days later.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the child’s stepmother conspired with her husband and a third accomplice to carry out the abduction,” the CP stated.

He stated that on October 5, police operatives attached to Azara Division arrested Mohammed Alhaji Giginya for allegedly attacking motorists along Akiri feeder road in Awe LGA.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and a live round of 7.62mm ammunition.

On September 28, six suspected kidnappers were arrested following the abduction of one Othman along the Lafia–Keana road. The victim was rescued without ransom payment.

Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and two live rounds of ammunition.

Similarly, two suspects, Christopher Habila (24) and Abdullahi Haruna (27), were arrested on August 30 for blocking the Nasarawa–Toto highway and attempting to abduct travelers. All victims were rescued unhurt.

The Commissioner added that detectives from the Command arrested five suspects, Leko Jibrin, Maigari Bature, Babare Ishaku, Abdullahi Hassan, and Usman Yau, for their involvement in the abduction of one Aisha, for whom ₦20 million ransom was collected.

The suspects confessed to sharing the ransom proceeds.

Community members in Obi Division assisted police in arresting Musa Adamu (27) and Yakubu Ali (21) after an attempted abduction at a Fulani settlement. The suspects were chased and caught after residents raised the alarm.

Two suspects, Zaharadden Isiaka and Yahaya Sulaiman, were apprehended for plotting to kidnap Isiaka’s employer and demand a ₦40 million ransom.

Police investigations revealed that Yahaya was also involved in the abduction of the Emir of Takum’s son in Taraba State.

In separate operations, Musa Abubakar (25) and Yahaya Abdullahi (23) were arrested for kidnapping and illegal possession of arms.

Recovered exhibits included a locally made gun, five cartridges, and four empty 7.62mm shells.

On October 15, three suspects, Suleiman Yahaya (35), Usman Bello (20), and Muhammed Ide (19), were arrested for kidnapping four persons in Bayan Gidan Kaza, Lafia. All victims were rescued safely.

Recovered Items include; Firearms: 3, Ammunition: 8 rounds.

Suspects Arrested: 25 (24 kidnappers, 1 armed robber)

CP Mohammed commended his officers for their professionalism and lauded residents for providing useful intelligence that led to the successes.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We will continue to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and ensure that all criminals face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help sustain the current momentum against crime.

“Our message to the criminally minded is simple, Nasarawa will no longer be a safe haven for crime,” the CP warned.