Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Clear Lafia–Akwanga Highway

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Clear Lafia–Akwanga Highway

The Nigeria Police Force has thwarted an attempted kidnapping along the Lafia–Akwanga highway, killing one suspected kidnapper and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday near the Rice Mill area in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel.

Police said a patrol team attached to the Nasarawa Eggon Division, while on routine duty, discovered that the highway had been blocked with stones by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, apparently targeting unsuspecting motorists.

On sighting the operatives, the attackers reportedly opened fire, prompting an immediate response from the police. In the exchange, one of the suspects was fatally injured, while others escaped into nearby bushes.

The injured suspect was taken to a medical facility but was later confirmed dead. He was identified as Auta Habu, said to be from a Fulani settlement in Gidan Waya, and believed to have been linked to previous criminal activities in the area.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, deployed reinforcement teams to secure the area and restore calm. The highway has since been cleared and declared safe for motorists.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who escaped, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that operations would continue to ensure criminals have no safe haven in the state.

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