Police nab kidnapper, recover AK-47 during raid on hideout in Nasarawa

Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout, arresting one suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle during the operation.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lafia.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence gathered by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID).

He said: “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), Nasarawa State Command, successfully busted the hideout of a notorious kidnapper at Gidan Akuya Village in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.”

During the raid, suspected members of the gang attempted to escape on sighting the police team.

Nansel stated: “Upon sighting the operatives, the criminals attempted to flee the scene but were immediately pursued by the police. During the operation, one suspect identified as Jibril Yunusa, 43 years old, was arrested. A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of the following exhibits: One AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, and one locally fabricated rifle.”

The police spokesperson further revealed that the suspect had made useful confessions during interrogation.

He said: “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in several kidnapping activities within the Keana and Awe axis of the state and has provided useful information to assist ongoing investigations.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the criminal gang who fled during the operation.

Nansel noted: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed operatives to intensify efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang to ensure they are brought to justice.”

He added that the police boss commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.

“While commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Commissioner of Police reassured residents of Nasarawa State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across every nook and cranny of the state,” the statement added.