The police command in Nasarawa says it has foiled the abduction of four residents of the Andaha community of the Akwanga council area. Its spokesman, Ramhan Nansel, stated this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Nansel explained that operatives from the command attached to the Andaha Division, rescued the hostages. 

According to him, the police received a distress call on Tuesday at about 9:40 p.m., that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station, Andaha, along the Akwanga-Jos Road.

“Upon receiving the report, the divisional police officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene. On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel and the police responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.

“The four kidnap victims were rescued unhurt, while several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store were recovered and taken into police custody,” he said.

The police commissioner, Shetima Mohammed, commended the gallantry and swift response of the operatives, describing it as a testament to the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Mr Mohammed said that the command would continue an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects while directing all available operational and intelligence assets to be deployed to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution.

“The manhunt is in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to apprehend the criminals,” he said.

(NAN)