Lafia, Nasarawa State, February 5, 2026 – The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded a significant success in its intensified fight against kidnapping and violent crime, rescuing two victims in separate operations and arresting one suspected kidnapper within a short period. The rescues, carried out on February 3 and early February 2026, demonstrate the command’s proactive patrol strategy and rapid response to distress calls from the public. In the first incident, a resident of Tudun Amba in Lafia, identified as David O., was abducted after boarding a commercial motorcycle (okada) from Lafia to Assakio. According to police sources, the motorcyclist, upon reaching Kireyi Village along the route, suddenly diverted from the main road into a bush path and forcibly took the victim deep into a nearby forest. The abduction appeared to be a classic case of “one-chance” kidnapping, where criminals pose as legitimate commercial operators to lure unsuspecting passengers. The timely rescue occurred on February 3, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., when operatives attached to the Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) were conducting a routine patrol in the area. Acting on intelligence and heightened vigilance, the team intercepted the suspect and his victim, leading to the immediate release of David O. unharmed. The motorcyclist was taken into custody for interrogation, while preliminary investigations continue to determine whether the abduction was linked to a larger syndicate operating in the Lafia–Assakio corridor. In a parallel operation, operatives from Gitata Division arrested one Jamilu Salisu, a resident of Ditsenma in Katsina State, for the abduction of a 14-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2) student of UBE Gitata. The suspect allegedly abducted the minor beside a mosque in Gitata town and dragged him into a nearby forest, with the apparent intent of demanding ransom or committing further harm. The breakthrough came after a good Samaritan spotted the suspect forcibly taking the child toward a riverbank and immediately alerted the police. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, Gitata Division operatives mobilized to the location, apprehended Jamilu Salisu, and rescued the traumatized 14-year-old unharmed. One accomplice reportedly escaped during the intervention and remains at large.
The Nasarawa State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed both rescues in a detailed press statement. He noted that the operations underscore the effectiveness of community vigilance, routine patrols, and rapid deployment of tactical teams in combating kidnapping—a crime that has plagued several parts of the state in recent years. Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed has directed an intensive manhunt for the fleeing accomplice and ordered comprehensive investigations into both cases to uncover possible links to organized criminal networks. The CP emphasized that the command will leave no stone unturned in bringing all perpetrators to justice and ensuring that vulnerable residents, especially children and commuters, are protected. The police spokesperson also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies. “The successes recorded in these rescues were made possible by the prompt action of citizens who refused to look the other way,” SP Nansel stated. “We urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements, and cooperate fully with law enforcement to rid Nasarawa State of criminal elements.”
These recent operations come amid heightened security concerns across the Middle Belt region, where kidnapping for ransom, banditry, and armed robbery continue to threaten public safety and economic activity. In Nasarawa State, incidents of abduction—particularly targeting commuters, schoolchildren, and rural dwellers—have prompted increased patrols, community engagement, and collaboration with local vigilante groups and traditional leaders. The rescues have been widely welcomed by residents of Lafia, Gitata, and surrounding communities, who expressed relief and renewed confidence in the police command’s ability to respond swiftly to threats. Parents, traders, and commuters have called for sustained efforts to secure major roads, markets, and schools, urging the deployment of more personnel and the installation of surveillance systems in high-risk areas. Security analysts note that such operations highlight the importance of intelligence-led policing and community partnership in tackling kidnapping syndicates. The arrests and rescues also serve as a deterrent to criminals who often exploit perceived gaps in security along rural and semi-urban routes. The Nasarawa State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for violent crime, assuring residents that the command will continue to intensify patrols, conduct sting operations, and strengthen intelligence gathering to prevent and respond to abductions. The CP assured that both rescued victims are receiving necessary medical and psychological support, while investigations are progressing to prosecute the suspects and dismantle any connected networks.
As Nasarawa State grapples with persistent security challenges, these successful interventions offer hope that concerted efforts by law enforcement, supported by an alert citizenry, can restore safety and confidence across the state.
