Police arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47, launch manhunt for gang members in Nasarawa

2026-03-15 - 09:46

By Edwin Philip, Lafia The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and busted his hideout at Gidan Akuya Village in Keana Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence from operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID). In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Ramhan Nansel, the police described the operation as part of their ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crimes in the state. “Upon sighting the operatives, the criminals attempted to flee the scene but were immediately pursued. During the operation, one suspect, identified as Jibril Yunusa, 43, was arrested,” the statement said. A search of the hideout led to the recovery of: One AK-47 rifle One empty magazine One locally fabricated rifle During interrogation, Yunusa reportedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations across the Keana–Awe axis and provided information to aid ongoing investigations. The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed officers to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang to ensure they face justice. Commending the operatives for their professionalism, CP Mohammed reassured residents that the command remains committed to combating crime and safeguarding lives and property throughout Nasarawa State.