By Nkechi Eze
The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded another round of impressive breakthroughs in its relentless war against crime and criminality, arresting twenty-five suspects, including twenty-four suspected kidnappers and one suspected armed robber. The Command also recovered three firearms and eight rounds of ammunition from various coordinated operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, psc, mnips, made the disclosure while addressing journalists during a press briefing held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Police Command Headquarters, Shendam Road, Lafia. He explained that the briefing was aimed at updating the public on the Command’s recent achievements, which demonstrate the renewed vigour of the police in protecting lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner expressed deep appreciation to officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment in ensuring that criminal elements are continually dislodged from the state. He also commended the cooperation of law-abiding residents whose timely and credible information have greatly assisted police operations.
CP Mohammed narrated that on October 14, 2025, operatives attached to ‘E’ Division, Shabu, rescued a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson, who had been abducted from Sabon Pegi, Shabu, by a gang that demanded a ransom of fifteen million naira. The suspects, identified as Asabe Isah, her husband Isah Umar, and one Emmanuel Polycarp, were swiftly tracked and arrested. Investigations revealed that Asabe conspired with her husband to abduct the child and handed him over to Polycarp, who held him hostage in Angwan Nungu, Lafia, while demanding ransom. The child was safely rescued on October 16 and reunited with his family.
In another success, on October 5, 2025, a patrol team from Azara Division apprehended one Mohammed Alhaji Giginya of Kumar Village while attempting to flee after an armed robbery attack along the Akiri feeder road in Awe Local Government Area. Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and one live round of 7.62mm ammunition. Victims of the attack were promptly taken to Azara Medical Facility for treatment, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.
The Commissioner further disclosed that operatives from the State Intelligence Department arrested six suspected kidnappers following the abduction of one Othman, who was traveling along the Lafia–Keana road on September 28, 2025. The suspects—Iliyasu Umar, Ibrahim Adamu, Umar Faruq, Ali Sani, Muhammadu Ibrahim, and Nuhu Mohammadu—had demanded a ransom of ten million naira, but the victim was rescued unhurt without any ransom payment. Recovered exhibits included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, two rounds of live ammunition, and assorted soft drinks.
Similarly, on August 30, 2025, operatives from Mararaba Udege Division arrested Christopher Habila and Abdullahi Haruna for blocking the federal highway along the Nasarawa–Toto road and abducting travellers. The victims were rescued safely and reunited with their families.
The Command also recorded success in bursting a kidnapping and money-laundering ring that operated around Ekye Division. Acting on credible intelligence, detectives arrested Leko Jibrin, Maigari Bature, Babare Ishaku, Abdullahi Hassan, and Usman Yau for their involvement in the abduction of one Aisha from a Fulani settlement. The victim’s family had paid twenty million naira before her release. All suspects confessed to their roles and detailed how they shared the ransom proceeds among themselves.
In Obi Local Government Area, on October 12, 2025, police operatives, working in synergy with community members, foiled an attempted kidnapping at a Fulani settlement. Two suspects, Musa Adamu and Yakubu Ali, were arrested after residents responded swiftly to the victim’s distress call, forcing other gang members to flee.
Another case involved the arrest of Zaharadden Isiaka of Anguwan Matasa, Doma, and Yahaya Sulaiman of Akwanga, who plotted to kidnap Zaharadden’s employer in Doma and demand a ransom of forty million naira. Their plan was uncovered through credible intelligence, leading to their arrest on October 13, 2025. A military cap was recovered from their bag as an exhibit. Investigations further revealed that Yahaya belongs to a gang responsible for the abduction of the son of the Emir of Takum in Taraba State.
More successes were recorded as police operatives from Jenkwe Division arrested Musa Abubakar at Sabon Kwara, Obi LGA, in connection with the kidnapping of one Abubakar. Recovered exhibits included one locally fabricated gun, five cartridges, and four empty 7.62x39mm shells. In a related operation, Yahaya Abdullahi was arrested in Tunga, Awe LGA, for kidnapping a farmer. A knife and ₦165,000 were recovered from him.
On September 27, 2025, police arrested Abdullahi Usman in Awe LGA after he was recognized by a witness as one of the gunmen who abducted a resident. His arrest led to the victim’s release without ransom. Also, on October 15, 2025, operatives attached to ‘B’ Division Lafia arrested Suleiman Yahaya, Usman Bello, and Muhammed Ide for kidnapping four persons at Bayan Gidan Kaza, Lafia. The suspects confessed to the crime, and all victims were rescued unharmed.
While appreciating the cooperation of community members across the state, CP Mohammed reaffirmed that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining peace, and ensuring that criminal elements are decisively dealt with.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and ensure that all criminals face the full weight of the law. I call on residents to remain vigilant and to support the Police with credible information that can help us sustain this momentum,” the Commissioner stated.
According to him, the Command’s operational successes in recent weeks are clear evidence of the police’s renewed determination to make Nasarawa State safer for all.
Summary of Achievements
- Total suspects arrested: 25
- Suspected kidnappers: 24
- Suspected armed robbers: 1
- Firearms recovered: 3
- Ammunition recovered: 8
The Nasarawa State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, continues to consolidate its efforts in combating crime and maintaining law and order across the state, assuring residents that there will be no hiding place for criminals.
