The Nasarawa State Police Command has neutralised a suspected kidnapper and cleared a barricaded section of the Lafia–Akwanga Highway following a foiled abduction attempt in the early hours of Monday.
The operation, carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was described as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and safeguard lives and property.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on March 23, 2026. A patrol team attached to the Nasarawa Eggon Division, while on routine duty along the Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga Highway, discovered an attempted kidnapping near the Rice Mill area of Nasarawa Eggon.
The police team reportedly found the road blocked with stones by armed youths suspected to be kidnappers, who had positioned themselves to ambush unsuspecting motorists. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, prompting a swift response from the police.
In the ensuing gun duel, 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, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, deployed reinforcement teams to secure the area and restore normalcy.
The injured suspect was taken to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. He was later identified as Auta Habu, a resident of a Fulani settlement in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. Police investigations revealed that the deceased had been linked to several criminal activities.
Authorities confirmed that the highway has been cleared and is now safe for motorists and other road users.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment, the police assured the public of continued operations aimed at protecting lives and maintaining law and order across Nasarawa State.
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