The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered multiple firearms along with ₦6.9 million cash following a lone accident involving an Opel Vectra in Kokona Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, said in a statement on Monday that the incident happened on August 18, 2025, around 9:08 a.m. near the VIO checkpoint at Angwan Mayo.
According to him, two occupants of the car, with registration number PLATEAU BLD 566 ST, fled into the bush after the crash, abandoning the vehicle.
“On arrival at the scene, operatives discovered that a vigilant VIO officer had already recovered a G3 rifle and cash hidden inside the vehicle,” Nansel said.
A further search uncovered:
- One AK-47 rifle
- One type 06 rifle
- One additional G3 rifle
- Three magazines
- 57 rounds of live ammunition
- ₦6.9 million in cash
Security operatives, working with the military, launched a manhunt and later arrested one of the fleeing suspects, Mohammed Tahir of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, in the forest.
During interrogation, Tahir confessed to belonging to a seven-man kidnap syndicate behind the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja, for which ransom had been collected. He revealed that he and an accomplice were on their way to Jos to share the proceeds when the crash occurred.
The suspect and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, on the directive of Commissioner of Police CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, for further investigation.
The CP commended residents for their vigilance and assured that the command is determined to rid the state of criminal elements.
