By Nkechi Eze
Residents of Rukubi Community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State are gradually returning to normal life following a major security operation that led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers linked to a violent attack on the community.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Mohammed, disclosed the development on Thursday during a press briefing, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the Command’s sustained crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.
CP Mohammed said the incident occurred on May 6, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m. when armed hoodlums invaded Rukubi Community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to him, the attackers stormed the residences of Habib Usman and Peter Ajidiku, where they abducted two victims identified as Ayele Jonathan and Rose Samuel before fleeing to an unknown destination.
The Police Commissioner explained that following a distress report received at about 1:00 a.m. on May 7 through the Officer in Charge of Rukubi Outpost and the Divisional Police Officer of Ekye Division, security operatives immediately launched a coordinated operation to track down the suspects.
He noted that police patrol teams worked in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Military, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), the National Forest Security Service (NFSS), and local community youths to comb the area.
“The swift response and coordinated efforts of the security operatives led to the arrest of eight suspects connected to the crime,” CP Mohammed stated.
The suspects arrested include Adamu Alfa, 35; Muhammed Alfa, 25; Shuaibu Alfa, 33; Usman Alfa, 25; Ali Alfa, 30; Isa Alfa, 15; another Adamu Alfa, 25; and Ja’afaru Alfa, 38, all from Rugan Alhaji Alfa in Rukubi Village.
During the operation, security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, four Bajaj motorcycles, and two expended AK-47 ammunition shells believed to be linked to the attack.
CP Mohammed further revealed that one of the suspects, Muhammed Alfa, sustained fatal injuries during the operation and later died while receiving treatment.
He described the success of the operation as a testament to the growing synergy among security agencies and local communities in tackling insecurity in Nasarawa State.
The Police Commissioner commended the Nigerian Military, VGN operatives, NFSS personnel, and community youths for their support and patriotism, noting that their cooperation played a critical role in the success of the mission.
He also praised officers and men of the Nasarawa State Police Command for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Reassuring residents of Doma, Rukubi, and surrounding communities, CP Mohammed said security presence had been reinforced in the affected areas, while proactive measures were already in place to prevent further attacks.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community participation remains essential in the fight against crime and criminality.
“The Nasarawa State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that all those involved in acts of kidnapping and violence are brought to justice,” he added.
