From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested 42 suspects for various crimes, including kidnapping, homicide, armed robbery, cultism, and drug peddling. Commissioner of Police (CP) Shetima Mohammed Jauro disclosed yesterday during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Lafia, where he outlined the command’s recent achievements in combating crime.
According to CP Jauro, among those arrested were 13 suspected kidnappers, eight individuals linked to homicide, six armed robbery suspects, 12 suspected cultists, two rape suspects, and one individual apprehended for drug peddling. The police also recovered two firearms, two live ammunition, and nine stolen motorcycles and vehicles.
CP Jauro highlighted a series of successful operations carried out by the police, beginning with the arrest of a suspected drug dealer. “On January 19, police operatives intercepted Harunna Abdullahi, 33, at Mararaba Junction in Karu Local Government Area (LGA). A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of five bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp,” he said.
Similarly, the police arrested multiple kidnapping suspects and rescued victims. On January 18, security operatives rescued Billy Maikasuwa, who was abducted from Moroa Village, Akwanga LGA. “A manhunt led to the arrest of Ibrahim Samaila, 20, and Abdullahi Ilu, 19, in a forest at Angwan Sao Village. A third suspect, Emmanuel Michael, 28, was later apprehended. All suspects have confessed to the crime,” the commissioner revealed.
In another case, two suspected kidnappers, Adamu Dayabu, 20, and Hamisu Saidu, 21, were arrested after allegedly attacking a cattle ranch in Borkono Village, Awe LGA, and abducting two people. “Our intelligence gathering efforts led to their arrest, and they have admitted to their involvement,” CP Jauro added.
Further, on January 12, police rescued Alhaji Lamide Mohammed, who was kidnapped in Obi LGA. Investigations revealed that his own brother, Inusa Mohammed, 30, orchestrated the abduction due to an inheritance dispute. “Inusa Mohammed and his accomplice, Hashimu Maikano, have both confessed,” the CP stated.
The police chief also detailed arrests related to homicide, including the killing of Bello Ibrahim, 20, whose body was discovered in Laminga, Nasarawa LGA. “Investigations showed that the victim was last seen in the custody of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) over an alleged theft. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of five suspects, who have confessed to dumping the body in an attempt to cover up the crime,” he said.
In a separate development, police arrested several cultists involved in a deadly clash in Doma LGA that led to the death of Abubakar Tukur. “Our operatives apprehended Sani Jibrin, Aliyu Muhammed, and others, recovering weapons, including knives, a cutlass, and a locally made pistol,” the CP noted.
CP Jauro also announced the capture of armed robbery suspects. On January 14, police arrested Hamza Saidu, 26, in connection with a robbery along Shagari Road, Nasarawa LGA. “Items recovered from him included a Haojou motorcycle, a plasma TV, and a Techno Spark 10 mobile phone,”