Police arrest notorious kidnap kingpin, five others in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin and five other suspects during raids on criminal hideouts in Doma and Awe local government areas.

Police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the kingpin was captured in Doka forest by operatives of the Doma Division after narrowly escaping arrest in July 2023.

According to Nansel, the suspect, from Yelwa village, had been linked to several kidnappings and robberies across the area. He attempted to attack officers with a knife before being subdued.

A subsequent search of his hideout in Alagye village led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, a locally made AK-47 with magazine, ammunition, a Civil Defence uniform, and other items.

In a related operation, personnel of the Awe Division arrested five members of a 10-man kidnapping gang at Gidan Taking village.

Investigations revealed that the group was behind the abduction of Blessing John of Gidan Makaranta, as well as her husband, John Ada-Kuje, in April 2024. Weapons including two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, commended the officers for their professionalism and urged them to sustain pressure on criminals until the state is free of kidnappers and armed robbers.

The suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation and prosecution.