Chinedu Obieze
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of students from the engineering faculty of Nasarawa State University, Gudi campus, in a breakthrough operation that has also led to the safe release of the victims.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Rahman Nansel, the suspects were identified as Abdullahi Yeyi Haro, believed to be the leader of the kidnapping syndicate, and Basiru Abdullahi. Both suspects are said to be residents of Gudi.
The arrest followed what the command described as a sustained intelligence-driven operation involving coordinated tactical and strategic efforts by security operatives. The operation was specifically targeted at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the Nasarawa State University student abduction.
Police authorities confirmed that the abducted students have now been safely released and reunited with their families. The victims are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support after the traumatic experience.
The Nasarawa kidnapping incident had raised serious concerns among residents and the university community, with many calling for urgent action to tackle rising insecurity in the area. The swift response by the police has now brought relief to affected families and stakeholders.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the officers involved in the operation. He praised their professionalism, resilience, and dedication to duty, noting that their efforts were instrumental in securing the release of the kidnapped students and apprehending key suspects.
The police boss reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping in Nasarawa State and other forms of violent crime. He assured residents that security agencies would not relent in their efforts to track down remaining members of the syndicate who are currently at large.
He further stated that investigations are ongoing and that the command is working tirelessly to ensure all those connected to the crime are brought to justice. The police also emphasized that the arrest of the suspected kingpin marks a significant step in efforts to dismantle organized kidnapping networks operating within the state.
In the statement, the command highlighted the importance of community support in achieving the success of the operation. It noted that credible information provided by members of the public played a key role in guiding the intelligence operations that led to the arrests.
“The command appreciates the support and cooperation of members of the public, whose timely information and collaboration greatly contributed to the success of the operation,” the statement read.
Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and continue sharing useful information with security agencies to aid proactive crime prevention and rapid response to security threats.
The police also reassured citizens of their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Nasarawa State. Authorities stressed that ongoing security operations are being intensified to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within the state.
The Nasarawa State University abduction case is one of several recent kidnapping incidents in Nigeria that have drawn national attention. However, the successful rescue of the students and arrest of key suspects signal a positive development in the fight against kidnapping and organized crime.
Security experts have often emphasized the role of intelligence gathering and community collaboration in tackling criminal activities, and the latest operation by the Nasarawa State Police Command appears to reflect that approach.
As investigations continue, residents and students in the area are hopeful that sustained security measures will help prevent future occurrences and restore confidence in the safety of educational institutions in the state.
The police have assured that further updates will be provided as more arrests are made and the investigation progresses. For now, the safe return of the abducted students and the capture of suspected kidnappers stand as a significant victory in the ongoing battle against crime in Nasarawa State.