Swift action by the Nasarawa State Police Command on Monday prevented a kidnapping attempt along the busy Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga Highway.
The incident occurred near the Rice Mill area when a routine patrol team from the Nasarawa Eggon Division encountered a makeshift barricade. Suspected kidnappers had used heavy stones to block the road, lying in wait to ambush unsuspecting motorists.
The confrontation turned deadly when the armed gang spotted the approaching police vehicle. Rather than fleeing immediately, the suspects opened fire on the officers, triggering a fierce gun battle.
“The team observed that the highway had been barricaded with stones by unknown armed young men… with the intention of attacking unsuspecting motorists,” stated State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel. “Upon sighting the police patrol team, the suspects opened fire, prompting a swift response from the operatives.”
During the exchange, police neutralised one of the gunmen. The remaining members of the gang managed to escape into the dense surrounding brush, with many believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the retreat.
Following an initial investigation, the deceased suspect was identified as Auta Habu, a resident of the Ruga (Fulani settlement) in Gidan Waya. According to police records, Habu was no stranger to law enforcement.
“Investigations revealed [Habu] to have been involved in several criminal activities,” SP Nansel confirmed.
The Nasarawa Eggon–Akwanga Highway has been cleared of all obstructions and is now fully open to traffic. While the immediate threat has been neutralised, the Command is not slowing down.
Police units are currently combing the bushes to track down the fleeing suspects, and authorities have assured road users that the route is safe while urging continued caution. Furthermore, the Command is requesting that hospitals and residents report anyone seen with suspicious injuries or gunshot wounds.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded. #Securitynewsalert.com
