The Nasarawa State Police Command has neutralised a suspected kidnapper in a fierce gun duel along Lafia–Akwanga highway leading to the clearance of the barricaded section of the road.
The state Police Public Relations Officer,SP Ramhan Nansel, in a statement issued on Monday explained that the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 AM on Monday, near the Rice Mill area of Nasarawa Eggon.
According to Nansel, a patrol team from the Nasarawa Eggon Division discovered that armed hoodlums had blocked the federal highway with stones, lying in wait to ambush unsuspecting motorists.
He explained that upon spotting the police vehicle, the criminals reportedly opened fire, leading to a high-stake confrontation.
”The team observed that the highway had been barricaded with stones by unknown armed young men suspected to be kidnappers. Upon sighting the police patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a swift and decisive response from the operatives,”he said.
He further noted that in the ensuing shootout, the police overpowered the gang, while several suspects escaped into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds, one suspect was hit and apprehended.
The PPRO said the suspect identified as as Auta Habu, a resident of a Fulani settlement (Ruga) in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa Eggon LGA, was injured and rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead by the medical personnel.
According to him, preliminary investigations suggest Habu was a serial offender linked to various criminal activities in the region.
He said, rhe Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, immediately deployed reinforcements to the axis to ensure the total restoration of order.
”The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed promptly mobilised a reinforcement team to the scene to ensure the area was secured and normalcy restored,” Nansel added.
Nansel said that the the operation followed the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to intensify highway patrols and eliminate criminal hideouts.
He confirmed that the highway is now fully cleared and safe for public use.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station,” Nansel stated.
