The Nasarawa State Police Command has thwarted a suspected kidnapping operation along the notorious Akwanga–Jos Road, rescuing four abducted victims after a fierce gun battle with heavily armed kidnappers who fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
The dramatic operation unfolded at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday near Megona Filling Station in Andaha, Akwanga Local Government Area, after the police received an emergency distress call reporting that armed kidnappers were attacking unsuspecting travellers in the area.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, operatives attached to the Andaha Division responded immediately to the alert, with the Divisional Police Officer personally leading the tactical team to the scene.
On sighting the advancing security operatives, the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape. The police responded with overwhelming tactical force, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into the bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
“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 statement said.
The four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and taken to safety, while officers also recovered several food items and other provisions believed to have been looted from a nearby provision store. The recovered items have been taken into police custody as investigations continue.
Commending the bravery and professionalism of the officers, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, described the successful operation as a clear demonstration of the Command’s resolve to protect lives and property across the state.
The Police Commissioner has ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects, directing all operational and intelligence units to ensure those responsible are tracked down and brought to justice.
The Command disclosed that the ongoing search is being carried out in collaboration with military personnel, local vigilante groups and hunters, who are combing nearby forests in a coordinated effort to apprehend the fleeing gunmen.
The police also appealed to residents of Nasarawa State to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.