Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have foiled a kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Keffi–Akwanga highway and arrested a suspect in the offensive.
The suspects were said to have blocked the busy highway at a spot near Angwan Mayo community on September 30 in a bid to carry out their nefarious activities.
According to the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, swiftly mobilised the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Garaku Division and his men to the scene following a distress call.
“On arrival, the operatives engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. The hoodlums, overwhelmed by superior firepower, fled into the forest, some suspected to have escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Undeterred, the police sustained the operation and launched a counter-ambush at about 0430hrs on the same date, leading to the arrest of one suspect, Aondoaver Thiom of Ise Kiragbe, Kadarko, Nasarawa State,” he explained.
The PPRO said two revolver guns with ammunition, which include four live 7.62mm rounds, three live cartridges, and two expended cartridges and other items from the suspect were recovered.
Nansel said the suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate operating from Yelwata town in Guma local government area of Benue State and Kadarko town in Keana LGA of Nasarawa State.
He added that the syndicate had been terrorising motorists along the highway for over two months.
“He further provided useful information linking other gang members currently at large,” he added.
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police has directed the DPO to work closely with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Lafia, to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects and restore lasting peace and safety along the highway.
The Command assures the public of its unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to the police.
