A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Nasarawa State when suspected kidnappers, after collecting ransom, were involved in a motor accident while attempting to flee. The incident occurred on Monday morning, August 18, 2025, in the Angwan Mayo community of Kokona Local Government Area.

According to initial reports, the criminals crashed their vehicle, an Opel Vectra with registration number PLATEAU BLD 566 ST, as they tried to escape the area with the secured ransom. Academic and research scientist, Professor Akyala Ishaku, first publicized the event on Facebook, noting that he witnessed the aftermath while on his way to work. He commended the swift response of the Nigeria Army and Police.

Upon receiving a distress call around 0908hrs, police operatives attached to Garaku Division were promptly deployed to the scene near a VIO checkpoint. The two occupants of the vehicle reportedly fled into the forest immediately after the accident, abandoning their ill-gotten gains. Members of the public had already gathered, and a vigilant VIO officer had secured a G3 rifle and cash found earlier at the crash site.

A thorough search of the accident vehicle, after it was towed to the police station, led to the significant recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one Type 06 rifle, one G3 rifle, three magazines, fifty-seven rounds of live ammunition, and a substantial sum of N6,908,150 (Six Million, Nine Hundred and Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Naira only) in cash.

The Nasarawa State Police Command, in collaboration with the Military, launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects. This led to the arrest of one individual identified as Mohammed Tahir, a male from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, who was apprehended after escaping into the forest. During interrogation, Tahir confessed to being a member of a seven-man kidnap gang. He admitted their involvement in the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja (FCT), from whom the recovered ransom was collected. He further revealed that he and another accomplice were en route to Jos to share the proceeds of the crime when the accident transpired.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, as directed by CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, for further investigation. Efforts are actively ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects at large. The Nasarawa State Police Command has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to eradicate crime and criminality within the state and its environs, also commending the public for their vigilance and continued support.