SECURITY OPERATIVES ARREST TWO SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER N8M RANSOM IN PLATEAU

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Joint security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦8 million ransom paid by the family of a victim, while also rescuing an abducted woman from a forest hideout.

The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, in a statement signed by his media aide, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus.

According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma, allegedly killed Alhaji Saidu Mamma and abducted his daughter, after which they demanded and collected ₦8 million ransom.

Following a coordinated operation by security agencies in the area, the suspects were apprehended and the full ransom was recovered.

Speaking during the parade of the suspects and presentation of the recovered funds, Manship reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for criminal activities.

“We will not allow criminals to operate in Qua’an Pan or use this local government as a hiding place after committing crimes in neighbouring councils or states,” he said.

He commended security operatives for their professionalism and directed that the recovered money be returned to the victim’s family.

In a related development, operatives also rescued Mrs. Gambo Bello, who was abducted in Lafia East Local Government Area and taken to the Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan.

Manship said intelligence reports on suspicious movements within the reserve prompted a search operation that led to her rescue after over a week in captivity.

Narrating her ordeal, Bello said security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle before they fled, abandoning her in the bush.

“The security men came and exchanged gunfire with them. After some time, the kidnappers ran away and the operatives rescued me,” she said.

The council chairman said the operation marks the third successful recovery of ransom and arrest of kidnappers in the area, attributing the achievements to collaboration among security agencies and support from Caleb Mutfwang.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening security across border communities to prevent criminal infiltration.