The Nasarawa State Police Command has apprehended a suspected cultist and recovered an English-made pistol during a midnight patrol in Lafia, the state capital.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday. He disclosed that officers from Ombi 1 Division intercepted the suspect near the A.A Rano Gas Plant at approximately 12:10 a.m.
“On 8 July 2025, at about 0010hrs, while on routine patrol behind the A.A Rano Gas Plant in Lafia, operatives from Ombi 1 Division spotted three young men clad in red attire, often linked with cult-related activity,” the statement noted.
Nansel said the suspects took to their heels upon sighting the patrol team. However, the officers pursued and arrested one of them, identified as 38-year-old Hassan Isah Sidi, a resident of Millionaires Quarters, Lafia.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of an English-made pistol and a collection of charms believed to be intended for illicit purposes. Efforts are ongoing to track down the two other individuals who fled the scene.
Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the officers for their alertness and prompt action. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and curbing criminal activity throughout the state.
SP Nansel encouraged members of the public to remain compliant with the law, stay vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.