Security agencies in Nasarawa State have foiled a kidnapping attempt along a major highway and arrested two suspects for alleged illegal firearms possession.
The police command in the state said it foiled the kidnapping attempt along the Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga Highway following a gun battle with the kidnappers.
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The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ramhan Nansel, said the incident occurred when a patrol team attached to the Nasarawa Eggon Division discovered that the highway had been barricaded with stones by armed men suspected to be kidnappers near Rice Mill in Nasarawa Eggon.
“Upon sighting the police patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a swift and decisive response from the operatives,” Mr Nansel said.
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“In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the criminals were overpowered. One of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush with possible gunshot wounds.”
He said a reinforcement team, deployed on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, secured the area and restored normal traffic along the highway.
According to him, the injured suspect was taken to a medical facility where he was later confirmed dead.
“The deceased was identified as Auta Habu of a Ruga in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. Investigations revealed he had been involved in several criminal activities,” Mr Nansel said.
He added that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who escaped.
The police assured residents that the highway has been cleared and is now safe for motorists and other road users.
In the other development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested the suspects in connection with illegal possession of firearms in separate operations across the state.
The State Commandant, Samson Umoru, disclosed this through the command’s spokesperson, Jerry Victor, during a briefing in Lafia on Monday.
“The arrests were made following intelligence-driven operations by operatives of the Corps,” Mr Umoru said.
He identified the suspects as Sumaka Nomsoor, 55, from Angwatashi, and Adam Paul, 34, from Angwan Ganga Duduguru, both in Obi Local Government Area. He said they were apprehended at different locations on 23 March.
Mr Umoru said the arrests form part of efforts by the corps to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and other criminal activities in the state.
“I want to reaffirm the command’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and other criminal activities within the state,” he said.
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He added that the suspects are currently in custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The NSCDC commandant also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.
“If you see something, it is not enough to say something, but do something,” he said.
Authorities say intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration remain central to efforts to curb criminal activities in the state, while urging continued public cooperation to sustain the gains recorded.
