The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued four kidnapped victims following a tactical operation by officers attached to the Andaha Division in Akwanga Local Government Area, while security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Rahman Nansel, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lafia.
According to the statement, the operation was launched after the police received a distress call at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, reporting the activities of suspected kidnappers around Megona Filling Station in Andaha, along the Akwanga–Jos Road.
Nansel explained that the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised a team of operatives to the location to confront the criminals.
On arriving at the scene, the officers reportedly came under attack as the kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the security team.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene. On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson said the operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the suspected kidnappers to flee into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds and varying degrees of injuries.
He added that the gunmen abandoned all four kidnapped victims during the exchange of gunfire.
According to the command, the rescued victims were unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
The operation also led to the recovery of food items and other provisions suspected to have been stolen from a nearby shop, with the recovered items now in police custody as exhibits.
Nansel said the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism, describing the successful rescue as evidence of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The police commissioner subsequently directed all tactical, operational and intelligence units to intensify efforts aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects.
Nansel disclosed that the ongoing operation is being carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian military, local vigilante groups and hunters, who are currently conducting sustained bush-combing exercises across the area.
“The ongoing operation is being conducted in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to apprehend the criminals,” he added.
The command appealed to residents of the state to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
