The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded major security breakthroughs, arresting 12 suspected criminals and rescuing seven kidnap victims across the state between January 1, 2026, and date.
Several firearms and other exhibits were also recovered during operations spanning all 13 Local Government Areas, the command said.
The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, announced the achievements on Friday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Lafia, the state capital.
According to CP Mohammed, 10 suspected kidnappers and two armed robbery suspects were apprehended. The command also recovered five firearms, two magazines, two rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, and ₦200,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds of crime.
Highlighting one of the operations, the Commissioner detailed the neutralisation of a suspected kidnapper and recovery of a firearm in Awe LGA. On January 2, 2026, police received information that a 43-year-old man, Shuaibu Umoru (pseudonym), had been abducted from his residence in Giza town.
CP Mohammed said: “A manhunt was immediately launched. On January 11, at about 1:30 pm, the victim was sighted tied to a tree in a forest at Sabon Gida–Abuni. Police operatives from Awe Division, in collaboration with local hunters, moved to the scene.
The kidnappers opened fire, but our operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising one suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and two rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. The victim was safely rescued, debriefed, and reunited with his family.”
In a separate operation, two suspected kidnappers, Musa Ahmed (29) and Adamu Yusuf (28), were intercepted on January 2 along the Nasarawa Eggon–Mada Station Road while riding a motorcycle.
The suspects allegedly attempted to bribe police officers with ₦200,000, which was rejected and recovered as evidence.
CP Mohammed explained: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier kidnapped a victim in Arusu Village, Kokona LGA. Police engaged them, rescued the victim, and the suspects escaped with gunshot wounds. One suspect was still nursing injuries at the time of arrest. Both have since confessed to the crime.”
The Commissioner commended the officers for their professionalism and prompt response and assured the public that the Nasarawa Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
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