The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested 24 suspected kidnappers across the state in its continued effort to tackle crime and insecurity.

Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Friday in Lafia.

Mr Mohammed said the arrests were recorded in various operations across the state between August 30 and October 15, with the rescues of several victims, who have been reunited with their families.

The CP said that among the cases recorded was the rescue of a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson, who was kidnapped in Sabon Pegi, Shabu, near Lafia, at about 7:30 p.m. on October 14.

According to him, the police arrested three suspects: Asabe Isah, her husband, Isah Umar, and Emmanuel Polycarp, who conspired to abduct the child and demanded N15 million ransom.

He said the child was rescued on October 16 at a location in Angwan Nungu, where he was held hostage by Polycarp.

Mr Mohammed said the suspects had confessed to the crime, and the investigation was ongoing.

Similarly, the CP said that on September 28, operatives of the State Intelligence Department apprehended six suspected kidnappers: Iliyasu Umar, 25; Ibrahim Adamu, 22; Umar Faruq, 21; Ali Sani, 24; Muhammadu Ibrahim, 30; and Nuhu Mohammadu, 34, for abducting a man on the Lafia–Keana Road and demanding N10 million ransom.

He said the victim was rescued unhurt, and an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, two rounds of live ammunition, and assorted drinks were recovered.

Mr Mohammed said operatives also, on August 30, at about 2:40 p.m., arrested Christopher Habila, 24, and Abdullahi Haruna, 27, for kidnapping travellers on the Nasarawa-Toto Highway, adding that the victims were rescued safely.

He further disclosed the arrest of five suspects: Leko Jibrin, 30; Maigari Bature, 30; Babare Ishaku, 30; Abdullahi Hassan, 28; and Usman Yau, 37, on September 22, for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of one Aisha, from whom N20 million ransom was collected before her release.

The commissioner said the suspects had confessed to the crime and revealed the amounts each received as proceeds.

He added that two suspects, Musa Adamu, 27, and Yakubu Ali, 21, were also arrested on October 12 in Obi for an attempted kidnapping, while Zaharadden Isiaka and Yahaya Sulaiman were nabbed in Doma on October 13 for conspiring to kidnap their employer and demanding N40 million ransom.

Mr Mohammed said other arrests included Musa Abubakar and Yahaya Abdullahi on September 8, for kidnapping in Obi and Awe LGAs, respectively, as well as Abdullahi Usman, Suleiman Yahaya, Usman Bello, and Muhammed Ide on October 15, for kidnapping in Lafia and its environs.

The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that intelligence-led and community policing strategies had contributed to the recent successes.

“We will continue to intensify our operations and ensure all criminals face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police by providing credible information to aid ongoing efforts against crime in the state.

(NAN)