The Nasarawa State Police Command has neutralised a suspected kidnapper and restored normalcy along the Lafia–Akwanga highway following an attempted abduction in the early hours of Monday.
Statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on March 23, 2026, when a patrol team attached to Nasarawa Eggon Division, while on routine patrol, intercepted an attempted kidnapping along the Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga highway near the Rice Mill area.
The police discovered that suspected armed kidnappers had barricaded the road with stones, apparently to ambush unsuspecting motorists. Upon sighting the patrol team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, prompting a swift response from the officers.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush, reportedly with gunshot wounds.
Following a distress alert, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, immediately deployed reinforcement teams to the scene to secure the area and restore order.
The injured suspect was taken to a medical facility where he was later confirmed dead. Police identified him as Auta Habu, a resident of a Fulani settlement in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations linked him to multiple criminal activities.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Nasarawa State.
