File: Nasarawa Governor, Abdullahi Sule

The Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has commended the Department of State Services and other security agencies in the state for their vigilance and commitment to tackling crime and criminality.

The governor’s commendation follows the recent rescue of a kidnapped victim and subsequent arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a citizen in the state by the DSS.

This was contained in a press statement made available to our correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Addra.

According to the statement, one suspect was apprehended at the criminal’s hideout at Atabula in Duduguru, a community in Jenkwe Development Area, while two others were tracked down at a hotel in Lafia.

He explained that security operatives equally burnt down the makeshift camp of the criminals and made cash recoveries that included five mobile phones amongst others.

The CPS added, “Governor Sule described the arrests as a demonstration of the effectiveness and dedication of the security agencies, urging them to sustain the momentum and remain resolute in the fight against criminal elements.

“He assured the security agencies in the state of the continued support of his administration in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

The statement further noted that “the governor appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible and useful information to the security agencies at all times.”

He emphasised that collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to maintaining peace and security in the state.

Meanwhile, officers of the Nasarawa State Police Command also recently foiled a kidnapping operation and rescued four kidnapped victims during a swift tactical response by police operatives attached to the Andaha Division, in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

In a press statement made available to journalists in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, he explained that the rescue followed a distress call reporting that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station, Andaha, along the Akwanga–Jos Road.

The PPRO narrated that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene.

“Upon sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel. However, 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 four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store were recovered and taken into police custody.

“The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the gallantry and swift response of the operatives, describing the rescue as a testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“The Commissioner has ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and directed that all available operational and intelligence assets be deployed to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution,” he said.

The Police Spokesperson further noted that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations to apprehend the criminals.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that will aid security agencies in combating crime across the State,” he added.