Summary: Nasarawa State Police Command neutralises suspected kidnapper Auta Habu during early morning patrol, foiling kidnap attempt on Nasarawa Eggon-Akwanga highway.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded a significant victory in the fight against criminal activities after neutralising a suspected notorious kidnapper along the Nasarawa Eggon-Akwanga highway.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 23, 2026, has brought relief to motorists and residents who ply the route regularly.
Dawn Raid Foils Kidnap Plot
According to SP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Nasarawa State Command, officers from the Nasarawa Eggon Division were on routine patrol around 3:30 am when they stumbled upon a carefully orchestrated kidnap operation.
The patrol team discovered that armed men had strategically placed stones across the highway near Rice Mill, Nasarawa Eggon, creating a deadly trap for unsuspecting motorists traveling during the odd hours.
“Upon sighting the police patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a swift and decisive response from the operatives,” the PPRO stated in an official release.
Gun Battle Claims Suspect’s Life
The confrontation quickly escalated into a fierce gun battle. However, the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives turned the tide against the criminals.
During the exchange of gunfire, one suspect sustained critical injuries while his accomplices fled into the surrounding bushland, likely nursing gunshot wounds themselves.
The injured suspect was rushed to a nearby medical facility but was confirmed dead by attending doctors. He was later identified as Auta Habu from a Fulani settlement in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.
Criminal with Dark History
Police investigation revealed that the deceased was no stranger to criminality. Auta Habu had allegedly been involved in multiple criminal activities in the area, terrorizing innocent citizens and disrupting economic activities along the busy highway.
The Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, mobilized additional reinforcement to secure the area and ensure normalcy was restored immediately after receiving the distress alert.
Highway Now Safe for Travelers
The Nasarawa State Police Command has assured the public that the highway has been thoroughly cleared and is now safe for motorists and other road users.
However, efforts are currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang who escaped with gunshot wounds.
Police Commitment to Public Safety
The operation aligns with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has mandated all state commands to intensify efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station,” SP Nansel emphasized.
CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Nasarawa State, promising that security agencies would continue to be proactive in combating criminal elements.
Call for Public Cooperation
The police have urged residents and travelers to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information about suspicious activities in their communities. The success of this operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven policing and quick response mechanisms.
As Nasarawa State continues to battle security challenges common to many North Central states, this development offers a glimmer of hope that determined law enforcement efforts can significantly reduce criminal activities and restore public confidence in the highways and rural communities.
Motorists are however advised to remain cautious, especially during early morning and late-night travels, and to always report unusual activities to security agencies promptly.
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