By Nkechi Eze
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Nasarawa State have foiled an attempted kidnapping along the Lafia–Akwanga highway, neutralising one suspected kidnapper and restoring safety to the busy route.
The operation, carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, took place in the early hours of Monday when a patrol team attached to the Nasarawa Eggon Division intercepted armed hoodlums along the Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga axis.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Ramhan Nansel, the incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. near the Rice Mill area in Nasarawa Eggon. The patrol team, while on routine duty, discovered that the highway had been barricaded with stones by suspected kidnappers who were lying in wait to attack unsuspecting motorists.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the police operatives, triggering a swift response. In the ensuing gun battle, the police overpowered the attackers, neutralising one of them while others escaped into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
Following a distress alert, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, immediately deployed reinforcement teams to the scene to secure the area and restore normalcy.
The injured suspect was rushed to a medical facility but was confirmed dead by a doctor. He was later identified as Auta Habu, a resident of a Fulani settlement in Gidan Waya, within Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. Police investigations revealed that he had been involved in multiple criminal activities.
Authorities confirmed that the highway has since been cleared and is now safe for motorists and other road users.
The command added that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Nasarawa State.
