The Nasarawa State Police Command launched a series of successful operations throughout September 2025, significantly disrupting criminal activities and recovering a large cache of weapons and ammunition. These operations, spearheaded by Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed, targeted gunrunners, illegal arms manufacturers, and traffickers, leading to the arrest of nine suspects and the confiscation of thousands of rounds of ammunition and various firearms. These successes underscore the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nasarawa State residents.
One of the most significant breakthroughs occurred on September 7, 2025, near Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence, CP Mohammed personally led a team of officers to intercept suspected gunrunners believed to be operating from Benue State. Upon sighting the police, the suspects abandoned their illicit cargo and fled into the dense forest. A thorough search of the area yielded a substantial haul of weaponry, including four AK-49 rifles, three AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a sub-machine gun, eleven magazines, and a staggering 4,046 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Additional seizures included eleven rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, 132 rounds of 38mm ammunition, and seventy-five cartridges. This operation effectively disrupted a major pipeline of illegal firearms flowing into Nasarawa State, potentially preventing countless acts of violence.
Further demonstrating the command’s proactive approach to crime fighting, officers apprehended a suspected arms trafficker on September 6, 2025, at the Akwanga-Wamba Motor Park. The suspect, John Paul, from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was en route to Abuja when he was intercepted. A search revealed five locally fabricated rifles in his possession. Paul’s arrest offered valuable leads, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend his collaborators, further dismantling the network of illegal arms trade within and around Nasarawa State.
In another operation targeting the source of illegal firearms, police officers raided a gun manufacturing operation in Lafia Local Government Area. On August 31, 2025, officers attached to the ‘E’ Division in Shabu arrested two suspected gun manufacturers, James Philip and Alpha Philip, in the Faferuwa area. Subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of four individuals suspected of purchasing and distributing the illicitly manufactured weapons: Usman Abubakar, Yakubu Danladi, Usman Kasimu (alias Bobo), and Abdullahi Adamu, all residents of Lafia. The operation resulted in the seizure of thirteen long-range single-barrel guns, ten short guns, a revolver, three swords, three police uniforms and a face cap, three gun-manufacturing machines and tools, and various items believed to be criminal charms. This successful raid not only disrupted the local production of illegal firearms but also identified key players in the distribution network, significantly weakening the capacity of criminal elements within the state.
These successful operations highlight the Nasarawa State Police Command’s multi-pronged approach to tackling crime. By targeting both the supply and demand sides of the illegal arms trade, they are effectively disrupting the flow of weapons into the hands of criminals. The seizure of manufacturing equipment and the arrest of both producers and distributors demonstrate a commitment to dismantling criminal networks at all levels. This proactive strategy, combined with the vigilance and dedication of the officers and men of the command, is proving crucial in the fight against crime and the maintenance of peace and security in Nasarawa State.
The command’s efforts extend beyond combating gun violence. In a separate incident on Friday, September (date not specified), 2025, alert members of the public foiled an attempted child trafficking incident in the Mararaba area of Karu Local Government Area. A 22-year-old woman, Aisha Hashiru, was apprehended at the Orange Market while allegedly attempting to abduct three children. This incident emphasizes the importance of community involvement and vigilance in supporting law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable populations and maintain public safety. The quick response of the community members, leading to the apprehension of the suspect, demonstrates the power of collective action in preventing crime.
Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed commended the dedication and tireless efforts of the officers and men of the command, assuring residents of the police’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements. He emphasized the importance of community partnership and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, highlighting the crucial role information sharing plays in maintaining security. The recent successes of the Nasarawa State Police Command underscore the effectiveness of proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement in combating crime and creating a safer environment for all residents.
