The Nasarawa State Police Command says it has foiled a kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Keffi–Akwanga highway, arresting one suspect and recovering firearms, ammunition, and military uniforms.
In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel said the operation followed a distress call received on September 30, 2025, at about 12:25 p.m., reporting that armed men had blocked the federal highway before Angwan Mayo.
Responding swiftly, Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed ordered the Divisional Police Officer of Garaku Division to lead a team to the scene.
On arrival, the officers engaged the suspects in what police described as “a fierce gun battle.”
“The hoodlums, overwhelmed by superior firepower, fled into the forest, some suspected to have escaped with gunshot injuries,” Nansel stated.
According to the command, the operatives maintained pressure and later mounted a counter-ambush around 4:30 a.m. the same day, leading to the arrest of one suspect identified as Aondoaver Thiom of Ise Kiragbe, Kadarko, Nasarawa State.
Items recovered from the suspect include two fabricated revolver guns, 4 live 7.62mm rounds, 3 live cartridges, 2 expended cartridges, military camouflage uniforms, multiple mobile phones, cash of ₦25,050, and personal effects.
During interrogation, police said the suspect confessed to being part of a syndicate operating between Yelwata in Benue State and Kadarko in Nasarawa, allegedly terrorizing motorists on the highway for over two months.
He also provided information said to be useful in tracking down other gang members who are currently at large.
The Commissioner of Police has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Lafia to work with the Garaku Division to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
Reassuring motorists and residents, the command said: “The police remain fully committed to ridding the state of criminal elements and restoring safety along our highways.”
Authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information that can help security agencies prevent further attacks.
