FEATURES
Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Nasarawa, Rescue Four Victims After Gun Battle
The Nasarawa State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping operation in Akwanga Local Government Area, rescuing four abducted victims unhurt after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
The operation, carried out by officers attached to the Andaha Division, followed a distress call received at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 21, reporting the activities of armed kidnappers near Megona Filling Station along the Akwanga–Jos Road.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Rahman Nansel, the Divisional Police Officer immediately led a team of operatives to the scene, where the suspects opened fire on the police upon sighting them.
The operatives returned fire, overpowering the attackers and forcing them to abandon the victims before fleeing into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
Police said all four victims were rescued without injury. Officers also recovered several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby shop, which have been taken into police custody as exhibits.
Commending the operatives for their courage and swift response, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, described the successful rescue as a reflection of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He directed an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and ordered the deployment of all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
The police said the ongoing operation is being carried out in collaboration with military personnel, local vigilante groups and hunters, with bush-combing operations continuing to track down the suspects.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.