….. 25 Suspects Arrested, 3 Rifles and 8 Ammunition Recovered
The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained war against kidnapping and armed robbery across the state, leading to the arrest of 25 suspected criminals, rescue of several victims, and recovery of firearms and ammunition.
Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Police Command Headquarters, Shendam Road, Lafia.
According to the Commissioner, the arrests and rescues were achieved through a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted by tactical teams across the state’s divisions.
Child Kidnapping Foiled in Lafia
On October 14, 2025, police operatives arrested three suspects — Asabe Isah, Isah Umar, and Emmanuel Polycarp — for the abduction of a 2-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson, in Sabon Pegi, Shabu. The child was rescued safely and reunited with his family, while investigations revealed that Asabe and her husband masterminded the abduction.
Arrest of Armed Robber and Recovery of AK-47 Rifle
On October 5, 2025, following an armed robbery attack along Akiri feeder road, Azara, police arrested Mohammed Alhaji Giginya of Kumar Village. An AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and one live round of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.
Kidnap Gangs Smashed in Keana, Mararaba Udege
Between August and September 2025, detectives arrested several suspected kidnappers, including Iliyasu Umar, Ibrahim Adamu, Umar Faruq, Ali Sani, Muhammadu Ibrahim, and Nuhu Mohammed, for abducting a motorist along the Lafia–Keana road.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and two rounds of live ammunition.
In a related operation, Christopher Habila and Abdullahi Haruna were apprehended in Mararaba Udege for highway kidnapping along the Nasarawa–Toto road. All victims were rescued unharmed.
Ransom Syndicate Busted
On September 22, 2025, operatives arrested five suspects linked to the abduction of a woman, Aisha, from a Fulani settlement in Ekye Division after collecting a ₦20 million ransom. The suspects — Leko Jibrin, Maigari Bature, Babare Ishaku, Abdullahi Hassan, and Usman Yau — confessed to sharing the proceeds of the crime.
Foiled Kidnappings and Arrests
Several other operations led to the arrest of kidnappers, including:
Musa Adamu (27) and Yakubu Ali (21) for attempted kidnapping in Obi.
Zaharadden Isiaka and Yahaya Sulaiman for plotting to abduct their employer in Doma and demand ₦40 million ransom.
Musa Abubakar (25) and Yahaya Abdullahi (23) for kidnapping and firearm possession in Jenkwe and Awe areas.
Abdullahi Usman (20) and three others for abductions in Awe and Lafia, with all victims rescued unharmed.
Summary of Achievements
Suspected Kidnappers Arrested: 24
Suspected Armed Robbers Arrested: 1
Firearms Recovered: 3
Ammunition Recovered: 8
Total Suspects Arrested: 25
Police Reaffirm Commitment
CP Mohammed reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid Nasarawa State of criminal elements through proactive intelligence gathering, robust patrols, and collaboration with local communities.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that would aid ongoing efforts to sustain peace and security in the state.
“The command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property. together with the support of the public, we will ensure that all criminals face the full weight of the law,” the CP assured..
