Police foil attempted kidnapping, kill one suspect in Nasarawa 

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it has foiled a kidnapping operation and killed one of the suspects in a gun duel.

In a statement released by Ramhan Nansel, Superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the operation took place in Nasarawa-Eggon local Government Area along Lafia-Akwanga federal highway.

“In compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM has recorded another operational success in its relentless efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Today, 23rd March 2026, at about 0330 hours, a patrol team attached to Nasarawa Eggon Division, while on routine patrol along the Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga Highway, discovered an attempted kidnapping incident near Rice Mill, Nasarawa Eggon”.
“The team observed that the highway had been barricaded with stones by unknown armed young men suspected to be kidnappers, with the intention of attacking unsuspecting motorists”, the statement read.

The Police stated further that upon sighting the Police patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a swift and decisive response from the operatives. In the ensuing gun duel, the criminals were overpowered. One of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush with possible gunshot wounds.

Following a distress alert, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, promptly mobilised a reinforcement team to the scene to ensure the area was secured and normalcy restored.

The injured suspect was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. The deceased was later identified as one Auta Habu of a Ruga ( Fulani settlement) in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa  Eggon Local Government Area of the state who investigation revealed to have been involved in serial criminal activities.

Meanwhile, the Police noted that efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest Police station.