In a major breakthrough against organized crime, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered incriminating exhibits, including military uniforms and weapons. The arrest follows a distress report from a victim, leading to swift police action.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the development, stating that the operation was triggered by a tip-off from a victim, Jameson Godwill, 25, of Ado Village, Nasarawa State.
According to Nansel, on February 13, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, Godwill spotted one of his alleged kidnappers, Musa Babagana, at Mararaba Junction and immediately alerted the police.
Godwill and his younger sibling had been kidnapped on January 25, 2025, around 7:30 AM while traveling in a suspected commercial vehicle from Mararaba, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, to CBN Junction, Abuja. The assailants robbed them of two mobile phones—an iPhone 12 and an iPhone 11 Pro—as well as ₦63,000 in cash before mockingly handing them ₦1,000 for transportation back to Mararaba.
Upon sighting Babagana, Godwill raised an alarm, prompting the suspect to flee. However, the police, acting swiftly, deployed a tactical team to the scene, intercepting and arresting Musa Babagana, Iliyasu Baba, and Ibrahim Mohammad. A fourth suspect, identified as Haruna, managed to escape and is currently at large.
During interrogation, Babagana and Mohammad confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate operating across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring states, particularly in Dutse Alhaji, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Mandala, and Suleja in Niger State. They revealed how they abducted victims, detained them, and extorted ransoms before releasing them.
Recovered Exhibits
The police recovered several incriminating items from the suspects, including:
One Toyota Corolla (Reg: FK186 EKO)
Two military camouflage uniforms
One military desert camouflage uniform
One black paramilitary uniform
One military identification card
One paramilitary cap
Four SIM cards from different network providers
Two jackknives
One pair of handcuffs
One black boot and one desert boot
Police React
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and prosecution. He commended the officers for their swift and professional response, reiterating the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring the safety of all residents.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid ongoing efforts to eradicate crime in Nasarawa State and beyond.
For: Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command
SP Ramhan Nansel
Police Public Relations Officer
This arrest marks yet another victory in the fight against insecurity, proving that criminals can run, but they cannot hide.
PIONEER NEWS 