Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Rifle in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Police Force in Nasarawa State has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered a firearm during an operation in Akwanga Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson in the state, Superintendent Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Lafia. He said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.

According to him, officers of the Police Mobile Force 38 Unit in Akwanga acted on credible intelligence received around 5:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026, about a man reportedly seen with a firearm.

The officers swiftly moved to the location and arrested the 32-year-old suspect, who is said to be from Rugan Hassan in Adudu Community, Awe Local Government Area.

A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of an AK-49 rifle and four rounds of 7.56mm live ammunition.

The suspect and the recovered weapon have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down other suspected members of the criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, assured residents of continued commitment to their safety and urged the public to provide timely and useful information to aid security operations.

The arrest underscores ongoing concerns over kidnapping in parts of the country and highlights the importance of intelligence-driven policing.