The Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnapping operation and rescued four abducted victims following a tactical response by operatives attached to the Andaha Police Division in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lafia by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel.
According to the police spokesperson, the incident occurred on July 21, 2026, at about 9:40 p.m., after security authorities received a distress call reporting that suspected kidnappers were operating around the Megona Filling Station area in Andaha along the busy Akwanga-Jos Road.
Nansel explained that immediately after receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised a team of officers and personally led them to the location to confront the suspected criminals.
He said the operatives encountered the armed gang upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel. However, the police responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
“The four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, 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, has commended the gallantry and swift response of the operatives, describing the rescue as a testament to the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The commissioner has ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and directed that all available operational and intelligence assets be deployed to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution,” he said.
The police spokesman added that the operation did not end with the rescue, as security personnel immediately launched follow-up actions to track down the fleeing suspects.
He disclosed that the ongoing operation is being carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army, local vigilante groups, hunters and other community-based security volunteers.
According to him, extensive bush-combing exercises are currently underway in a bid to locate and apprehend the suspects who escaped during the gun battle.
Nansel appealed to members of the public to remain security conscious and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with useful and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
He reiterated the command’s determination to sustain its offensive against criminal elements and ensure that residents across Nasarawa State continue to enjoy improved security.
“The command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that will aid security agencies in combating crime across the state,” he added.
