The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered arms, ammunition and N6.9 million in cash following a lone accident involving an Opel Vectra in Kokona Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, who confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, said the incident occurred on 18th August 2025 at about 9:08 a.m. near the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) checkpoint at Angwan Mayo.
According to him, two occupants of the vehicle with registration number Plateau BLD 566 ST fled into the bush immediately after the crash, abandoning the car.
“On arrival at the scene, operatives discovered that members of the public had gathered, and a vigilant VIO officer had already recovered a G3 rifle and cash hidden inside the vehicle,” Citizen Television Newsroom gathered.
A further search of the car led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one type 06 rifle, another G3 rifle, three magazines, 57 rounds of live ammunition, and the sum of N6.9 million.
Following the discovery, police operatives in collaboration with the military launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. One of them, identified as Mohammed Tahir from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, was arrested while attempting to escape through the forest.
During interrogation, Tahir allegedly confessed to being a member of a seven-man kidnapping gang responsible for the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja, for which ransom was collected. He also admitted that he and an accomplice were on their way to Jos to share the proceeds when the accident occurred.
Nansel said the suspect and all recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed.
The Commissioner assured residents of the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and praised the public for their vigilance, urging continued collaboration with security agencies.
