The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued four kidnapped victims and launched a manhunt for suspected kidnappers following a tactical operation carried out by operatives of the Andaha Division in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Rahman Nansel, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Lafia on Wednesday. He said the operation was launched after the police received a distress call at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, reporting the activities of suspected kidnappers around Megona Filling Station, Andaha, along the Akwanga–Jos Road.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised a team of operatives to the scene, where they encountered the suspects.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene. On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel,” the statement read.
Nansel said the operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the suspects to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
He added that the four victims were rescued unharmed, while some provisions suspected to have been stolen from a nearby shop were recovered and taken into police custody.
The Police Public Relations Officer said the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the operatives for their swift response, describing the successful rescue as a reflection of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Nansel stated that the commissioner had directed an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects, ordering the deployment of all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
“The ongoing operation is being conducted in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to apprehend the criminals,” he added.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat crime across the state.
