The Nigeria Police Force arrested eight suspected kidnappers in a coordinated security operation in Rukubi community of Nasarawa State after armed men allegedly invaded the area on Tuesday night and abducted two people.
The manhunt began after a distress report was received in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command to move in with other security agencies, vigilante groups and local youths. The suspects were identified as Adamu Alfa, Muhammed Alfa, Shuaibu Alfa, Usman Alfa, Ali Alfa, Isa Alfa, another Adamu Alfa and Ja’afaru Alfa, all said to be from Rugan Alhaji Alfa in Rukubi Village.
Security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, four Bajaj motorcycles and two expended 7.62mm ammunition shells during the operation. One suspect was seriously injured in the clash and later died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.
The attack had already unsettled residents when the armed men reportedly fired sporadically as they stormed the residences of two villagers and fled with the abducted victims. The arrest comes as the police continue their campaign against kidnapping and violent crime in the state, with Anthony Okon Placid saying the success of the operation showed the value of intelligence-led policing and close cooperation among security agencies and community stakeholders.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu praised the operatives for their professionalism, courage and swift response, and the immediate question now is whether the arrest will lead to the recovery of the two abducted persons. That answer matters as much to Rukubi today as the gunfire did on Tuesday night.
For readers following the wider political mood in the state, the security push lands while debate continues around Faisal Shuaib’s 2027 governorship bid in Nasarawa.
