The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 26 suspected kidnappers, including a husband and wife, on Friday, October 17. State Police Commissioner Shettima Jauro Mohammed said during a press conference that all suspects are in police custody and will be charged in court
Recently, the state has recorded cases of kidnapping, possibly due to the infiltration of criminal elements from neighboring northern states
A couple, identified as Asabe Isa and her husband, Umar Isa, are among the suspects arrested for the kidnapping of a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson. The abduction occurred in Sabon Pegi, Shabu, in Lafia on October 16, and the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦5 million ransom for his release
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“Upon receiving the complaint, police detectives launched a manhunt and arrested the suspects alongside one Emmanuel Polycarp, who hid the victim at his residence in Angwan Nungu,” CP Shettima said.
According to the Police command, Preliminary police investigations revealed that Asabe Isa conspired with her husband, Umar Isa, to abduct the two-year-old boy. She later confessed to the crime, according to the Police Command.
The State Police Commissioner, Shettima Jauro Mohammed, also disclosed that the command had foiled seven kidnapping incidents between August and October. Several other suspects were arrested in connection with these incidents, and their names were released.
Those apprehended include Leko Jibrin, Maigari Nature, Babare Ishaku, Abdullahi Hassan, Usman Yau, Musa Adamu, Yakubu Ali, Musa Abubakar, Yahaya Abdullahi, Usman Bello, Mohammed Ide, Yahaya Sulaiman, Abdullahi Haruna, and Christopher Habila. Other suspects in custody are Illiyasu Umar, Ibrahim Adamu, Umar Faruq, Ali Sani, Muhammed Ibrahim, Nuhu Mohammed, and Mohammed Alhaji Giginya
In the course of the investigation, police recovered one locally fabricated gun, five cartridges, three other firearms, and eight rounds of ammunition. Other items found included four empties 7.62×39mm shells, a knife, and ₦165,000 in cash.
In a similar development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nasarawa State Command, announced that its operatives neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a recent operation. This was made known by the State Commandant, Brah Samson Umoru that upon assuming office, he conducted a comprehensive security assessment, which led to the establishment of the Commandant’s Crack Squad and the revitalization of the Agro Rangers unit.
According to him, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at about 7:08 a.m., operatives foiled a kidnapping attempt targeting residents of Bukan Ari, Kurikyo Road, Shabu, Sabon Pegi, Azuba, and parts of Lafia Metropolis.
“During a fierce gun battle, two kidnappers were neutralized, two suspects arrested, while one escaped and is currently being trailed,” Umoru said.
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two knives, and charms.
Residents of Lafia metropolis have called on security agencies to impose stiffer penalties on criminals to deter further acts of kidnapping.
CP Shettima assured residents that the Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to help sustain the fight against crime in the state.
