Police foil kidnapping, robbery attempt on Keffi–Akwanga highway

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday foiled a kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Keffi–Akwanga highway, rescuing motorists and arresting one suspected bandit after a fierce gun duel.

Police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the attack happened around 12:25 p.m. at Angwan Mayo when armed criminals barricaded the busy federal road in an attempt to abduct travellers.

On receiving a distress call, Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately deployed operatives from the Garaku Division, who engaged the assailants in heavy gunfire, forcing them to retreat into the forest with suspected injuries.

One of the attackers, identified as Aondoaver Thiom of Ise Kiragbe, Kadarko, was arrested at the scene. He was found in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and military uniforms.

Nansel disclosed that the suspect confessed to being part of a syndicate operating between Yelwa in Benue State and Kadarko in Nasarawa. He has reportedly provided information on fleeing accomplices now being trailed by police operatives.

The Commissioner of Police has directed the anti-kidnapping unit in Lafia to intensify joint operations with Garaku Division to track down the remaining suspects.

The Command further appealed to residents to provide timely intelligence that could aid efforts to curb highway crimes and guarantee safer travel across the state.