The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 12 suspected kidnappers involved in criminal activities across the state.
Shehu Umar-Nadada, the Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, revealed this during an exclusive interview with Daily Trust in Lafia on Thursday. He stated that recent measures implemented by the command have significantly reduced crime rates in the state and yielded positive results.
CP Umar-Nadada stated, “The command has apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements in the past week. Investigations are ongoing, and we aim to arrest more suspects.”
The police have identified several vulnerable areas where kidnappers are active, including Lafia, Gandu near the Federal University of Lafia, the GRA/Angwan Maitasa area, and Shabu in Lafia North LGA.
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Notably, the recent murder of a 19-year-old student, Anas Zubairu, after a ransom of N17 million was allegedly collected, occurred in the Project Quarters area of Lafia LGA.
Other areas of concern include Shinge and the 500 Housing Estate in Lafia LGA.
CP Umar-Nadada confirmed that patrols have been intensified across the areas to combat criminal activities.
The police have established stop-and-search points in these areas, particularly from 8pm to 6am. This effort is supported by the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), among other security agencies.