The Nasarawa State Police Command has again arrested a notorious kidnapper and cattle rustler on the wanted list in Nasarawa’s popular cattle market.

The command’s spokesman, SP Ranham Nansel, made this known to journalists on Sunday in Lafia.
The kidnapper, Abashe Gizo, was arrested at the popular Shinge Cattle Market located in Lafia, the state capital.

The command disclosed that through an intelligence-led operation by the operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), the suspected criminal, who had been on the command’s wanted list over several criminal activities, was arrested.

He said, “The suspect, who has been on the Command’s wanted list for an extended period due to multiple offences including kidnapping and cattle rustling.”

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crimes and led officers to his hideout at Ruwan Baka village, Doma LGA, where one AK-49 rifle (Breach No. 453144) and a magazine were recovered in his possession.

The command explained that the arrest of Abashe Gizo, a notorious kidnapper kingpin, was a great success in its dogged effort to stamp out kidnappers from the state.

The police stated that the recent arrest of the 21-year-old lady who was trafficking ammunition has enhanced the success and further clampdown on criminal elements in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, reaffirms the Command’s unwavering commitment to dislodge all criminals and terrorists operating in the state and ensure the safety and security of all residents across Nasarawa State.

The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as it continues to work tirelessly to make our communities free to carry out their legitimate businesses.

Concerned residents of Lafia have promised to collaborate with the command and other security agencies in the state to ensure there is no hiding place for any criminal.

A community leader who would not want his name mentioned in print assured the police of collaboration in reporting any criminal activities by suspected persons to the police.

He, however, pleaded with the police and other security agencies to keep the identities of persons who volunteer to report questionable or suspicious criminal behaviours.

He added, “If we have that confidence in security agents that when we expose criminals our lives are safe and our identities are secure, it won’t take long for our society to be safe. But when we report to the police and then the next time the person that did the report is assassinated or his family members are targeted by terrorists, then nobody will dare to report suspicious persons to the police.”

The community leader alleged that a sad incident happened when some persons became targets of terrorists because it was gathered that the victim, who was later assassinated by a group of bandits, had reported their members to the police.