Security operatives in Nasarawa State have recorded a breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping with the arrest of a suspected gang member found in possession of a rifle in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the development on Saturday through the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, who said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime across the state.
According to him, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, PMF 38 Akwanga Unit, acted on intelligence received on 20 March 2026 at about 17:00, regarding a suspected kidnapper reportedly sighted with a firearm.
“Acting swiftly on the information, a team of Mobile Police operatives was immediately deployed to the scene and they successfully apprehended the 32-year-old male suspect.
“The suspect is from Rugan Hassan in Adudu Community of Awe Local Government Area of the state. Upon arrest, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of one AK-49 rifle along with four rounds of live 7.56mm ammunition,” he said.
Nansel added that the suspect and the recovered weapon have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
He noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
The police spokesperson also reaffirmed the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Nasarawa State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing “timely and credible information” to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
