The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a notorious cattle rustler and kidnap suspect, Abashe Gizo, in a major security breakthrough following an intelligence-led operation at Ruwan Baka village, Doma Local Government Area of the state.
This was revealed in a statement released on Sunday, May 18, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel.
According to the statement, Gizo had been on the police watchlist for a long time over multiple criminal offenses, including kidnapping and cattle rustling. He was eventually tracked down and arrested by operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“Following credible intelligence, our operatives launched a tactical operation which led to the arrest of the suspect at his hideout,” Nansel stated. “Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crimes and took our officers to the location where he had concealed an AK-49 rifle and a magazine.”
The recovery reportedly occurred at his hideout in Ruwan Baka, where the firearm with breach number 453144 was found.
The police spokesperson added that this success came on the heels of another major arrest involving Fatima Salisu, a woman caught transporting arms to Katsina State. “Our intensified operations in the region have started yielding results,” he noted.
Salisu, who was apprehended based on an intelligence tip-off, was found in possession of 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO bullets. Her arrest prompted the swift deployment of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, leading to the further crackdown on criminal networks.
Commissioner of Police, Shetima J. Mohammed, praised the efforts of the operatives and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.
“We remain committed to ensuring that communities in Nasarawa are safe. This arrest is a step forward in dismantling the syndicates threatening peace in our state,” Mohammed emphasized.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged upon the conclusion of investigations.