Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued four victims following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out by officers attached to the Andaha Division, followed a distress call received at about 9:40 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2026, reporting the activities of suspected kidnappers around Megona Filling Station in Andaha, along the Akwanga–Jos Road.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Rahman Nansel, the Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised a team of operatives and led them to the location.
According to the statement, the armed suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the police, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The operatives, however, overpowered the criminals with superior tactical firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and escape into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
The police successfully rescued all four victims without injury.
During the operation, officers also recovered several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store. The items have been taken into police custody as investigations continue.
Commenting on the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, praised the bravery and swift action of the officers, describing the rescue as “a testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.”
The Commissioner also directed that a comprehensive manhunt be launched for the fleeing suspects, ordering all operational and intelligence resources of the Command to be deployed to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
Police said the ongoing operation is being conducted in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to track down the fleeing criminals.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at tackling crime across Nasarawa State.
