Police rescued four kidnap victims after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers along the Akwanga–Jos Road in Nasarawa.
LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE — The Nasarawa State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnap operation and rescued four victims following a gun battle with armed kidnappers along the Akwanga–Jos Road.
The operation, carried out by officers attached to the Andaha Division, underscores the growing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping along one of North Central Nigeria's major transport corridors.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, after police received a distress call reporting that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station in Andaha, Akwanga Local Government Area.
The spokesperson said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised a tactical team to the scene after receiving the emergency report.
On sighting the approaching officers, the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Police said the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
All four victims were rescued unharmed.
During the operation, officers also recovered several food items believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism.
He described the successful rescue as evidence of the command's commitment to protecting lives and property across Nasarawa State.
The commissioner has directed all tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
Police said the ongoing operation is being conducted in collaboration with:
The Nigerian Army
Local vigilante groups
Community hunters
Security teams have continued bush-combing operations in the area in search of the fleeing suspects.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.
Although the latest operation ended successfully, kidnapping continues to pose serious security concerns across North Central Nigeria.
States including Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa have witnessed repeated abductions targeting travellers, farmers, students and rural communities.
The Akwanga–Jos Road, a strategic highway linking Nasarawa and Plateau states, has experienced several security incidents in recent years, prompting increased patrols by security agencies.
Security experts say rapid response to distress calls, intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with local communities remain essential to reducing criminal activities along major highways.
The successful rescue demonstrates the importance of swift security interventions in preventing kidnappers from escaping with victims.
It also highlights the growing role of coordinated operations involving police, the military, vigilante groups and local hunters in combating violent crime across the Middle Belt.
As kidnapping continues to threaten public safety and economic activities, sustained intelligence-led operations will be crucial in restoring confidence among residents and travellers.
The Nasarawa operation is another indication that timely intelligence and rapid deployment can significantly improve security outcomes.
While the rescue of all four victims without casualties is encouraging, the escape of the suspects also underscores the need for sustained follow-up operations to dismantle kidnapping networks rather than merely disrupting individual attacks.
For North Central Nigeria, where major highways remain vulnerable, continuous patrols, improved surveillance technology and stronger community intelligence will be key to reducing kidnapping and safeguarding commuters.
More on Nasarawa