The Nasarawa State Police Command says it has made major progress in its fight against crime, rescuing seven kidnapped victims, arresting 35 suspects, and recovering 13 firearms in different operations carried out across the state since January 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North-Central zone, Isyaku Mohammed, during an inspection visit to the command headquarters in Lafia.

He described the visit as timely and strategic, saying it provided an opportunity to review the security situation in the state and improve policing strategies.

The commissioner explained that Nasarawa’s location, sharing borders with the FCT Abuja and several other states, contributes to its unique security challenges.

According to him, kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, communal clashes, illegal possession of firearms, and cross-border crimes remain major threats in the state.

He noted that kidnapping incidents along the “Santa Highway” and in rural communities have reduced due to sustained security operations and improved intelligence gathering.

He said, “Through intelligence-led policing, community engagement, enhanced surveillance and coordinated tactical operations, the Command has reviewed and strengthened its crime-fighting strategies to effectively combat criminal activities across the state.”

Mohammed added that the Command has stepped up operations in ten identified flashpoints based on crime mapping and threat analysis.

These include the Gudi axis, Lafia-Akwanga road, Akwanga-Jos road, Doma-Rukubi route, Lafia-Makurdi highway, Inde Hills in Nasarawa Eggon, Garaku-Keffi corridor, Akwanga Forest axis, and other vulnerable communities.

He further stated that tactical units, mobile police teams, and checkpoints have been deployed to these areas to strengthen security presence and restrict criminal movements.

He also said highway patrol teams now operate round the clock on major roads including the Abuja-Keffi highway and other strategic routes.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations and strengthening collaboration with communities to ensure lasting peace and security across Nasarawa State.

The Village Head of Gwande community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has been hospitalised after he was attacked by unknown assailants along the Daffo–Hotom–Sha road.

This was disclosed in a post shared on X on Wednesday by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the incident happened on Tuesday evening while the traditional ruler, Mr. Samuel Usman Alakate, 60, was travelling along the road.

He was reportedly attacked by unidentified persons, leaving him with injuries.

Security sources said troops of Operation Enduring Peace under Sector 5 in Bokkos quickly responded after receiving a distress call and moved to the scene.

“The injured village head was found by the troops and immediately evacuated to the Cottage Hospital in Bokkos, where he is currently receiving treatment,” Makama wrote.

Following the attack, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further incidents and reassure residents.

Authorities also said efforts are ongoing to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested five suspects in separate operations linked to alleged murder and armed robbery cases in Bauchi and Ningi Local Government Areas.

According to the police, three suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of a resident of Miri Village in Bauchi Local Government Area, while two others were apprehended over an armed robbery attack on a commercial motorcyclist in Ningi.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspects arrested in connection with the alleged murder were identified as Rabiyu Sanda, 16, Muhammad Abubakar, 21, and Suleiman Nura, 21, all residents of Miri Village.

The police said operatives attached to the ‘B’ Division, GRA, arrested the suspects on June 13, 2026, following investigations into an incident that occurred on June 11.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired and carried out the act after a misunderstanding with the deceased.

Police further said the suspects voluntarily confessed to the offence during interrogation and provided useful information that assisted investigators.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, after which the suspects are expected to be charged in court.

In a separate operation, detectives attached to the Ningi Division arrested two suspects over an alleged armed robbery attack on a 22-year-old commercial motorcyclist.

The victim’s father reportedly informed the police on June 14 that his son was attacked in Ningi Town on the night of June 13 by assailants who attempted to steal his motorcycle.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Adamu Abdullahi from Zazika Village in Ningi Local Government Area and Aminu Shuaibu from Dutsen Danga Village in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

According to the Command, the suspects allegedly attacked the victim with a hammer, causing injuries to his face before stealing his motorcycle.

The police said officers acted quickly, recovered the stolen motorcycle, and arrested the suspects.

The case has also been transferred to the SCID for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the arrests, Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu directed investigators to handle the cases diligently and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Bauchi State.

He also urged residents to avoid violent confrontations, remain vigilant, and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.