The Nasarawa State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping operation in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state, rescuing four victims unhurt after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers along the Akwanga–Jos Road.
According to an official statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2026, following a distress call that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station, Andaha.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Andaha Division immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene, where the armed suspects engaged the police in a gun duel upon sighting the operatives.
The police, however, responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the four victims and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
The rescued victims were unharmed, while several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store were recovered and taken into police custody.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, psc, mnips, commended the bravery and swift response of the operatives, describing the successful rescue as a demonstration of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He also ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and directed the deployment of all available operational and intelligence assets to ensure their prompt arrest and prosecution.
According to the statement, the operation is being carried out in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations ongoing to track down the fleeing criminals.
The Command appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime throughout Nasarawa State.
