The Nasarawa State Police have arrested a suspected kidnapper in connection with the abduction of a local herdsman.
The suspect, Abdulkarim Zakari, was apprehended on October 27, 2024, after a police operation in Wamba Local Government Area.
Zakari was captured by officers from the 38 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon Division.
The arrest comes after a series of coordinated efforts by the police to address rising kidnapping cases in Nasarawa State.
According to police reports, Zakari, a resident of Konba village, has been linked to a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the area.
Police revealed that Zakari was involved in the abduction of Cironman Fulani, who was kidnapped in Nasarawa Eggon.
The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦5 million for Fulani’s release.
During interrogation, Zakari reportedly confessed his role in the kidnapping.
He admitted to receiving ₦1.2 million as his share of the ransom.
Zakari told investigators that he was part of a larger group involved in the crime.
He also disclosed details about his accomplices, aiding the police in their ongoing investigation.
A police spokesperson confirmed that officers recovered ₦547,000, a portion of the ransom paid.
The spokesperson added that the police are working to locate and arrest the remaining members of the kidnapping ring.
The Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, CP Umar Shehu Nadada, has ordered a manhunt for Zakari’s accomplices.
CP Nadada commended the officers for their efforts in combating crime in Nasarawa State.
He assured the public that the police are committed to tackling kidnapping and restoring peace to the area.
“This arrest is a testament to our commitment to rid Nasarawa State of criminal elements,” CP Nadada stated.
He also urged residents to cooperate with the police in their fight against crime.
The Nasarawa Police Command has been on high alert following a recent surge in kidnapping cases in the region.
In the past few months, they have arrested at least 12 suspected kidnappers in various parts of the state.
The police are also working closely with local communities, especially the Fulani community, to curb kidnapping incidents.
The partnership aims to improve communication between law enforcement and residents, ensuring better protection and rapid response to incidents.
Kidnapping has become a major concern in many parts of Nigeria, including Nasarawa State.
The rising incidents have created fear among locals and disrupted daily activities.
Local authorities have called for increased security measures to combat the growing trend.
Efforts to address the issue include setting up checkpoints, deploying special units, and enhancing intelligence gathering.
The police are also working with local leaders and security experts to strengthen preventive measures.
Recent data indicates that Nasarawa State is one of the areas most affected by kidnapping in Nigeria.
The state’s proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has made it a target for criminal syndicates.
Many kidnapping gangs see the area as a profitable zone, leading to repeated cases of abduction.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has pledged to double its efforts in tracking down criminals.
They are working with neighboring states to create a security network that will disrupt kidnapping rings.
In recent years, security forces across Nigeria have faced challenges in combating organized crime.