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AKWANGA, NASARAWA STATE – The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the arrest of a suspected kidnapper in the Akwanga Local Government Area.
The Arrest
The operation, carried out on Friday, March 20, 2026, was spearheaded by operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) 38 Akwanga Unit. Acting on credible intelligence that an armed individual had been sighted in the area, the team deployed quickly to intercept the suspect at approximately 5:00 PM.
The suspect, a 32-year-old male identified as a resident of Rugan Hassan in the Adudu Community of Awe LGA, was taken into custody without incident.
Recovered Weaponry
During a search of the suspect, police recovered high-grade weaponry, including:
- One AK-49 rifle
- Four rounds of live 7.56mm ammunition
Ongoing Investigation
State Police Spokesman, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that the suspect and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia. Investigators are now working to trace the suspect's links to wider criminal networks operating within the state.
Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to the safety of all residents, stating that the crackdown on kidnapping and banditry will continue until criminal elements are completely curtailed.
Key Takeaways for Information Hub Readers:
- Successful Intel: The arrest proves the effectiveness of community-led intelligence in helping police thwart potential kidnappings.
- Weaponry: The recovery of an AK-49 rifle—a more modern variant of the standard AK-47—highlights the sophisticated nature of arms currently used by criminal groups.
- Geographic Spread: While the suspect is from Awe LGA, he was intercepted in Akwanga, suggesting mobile criminal activity across the state.
