By Erewunmi Peace

A group of suspected kidnappers ran into trouble after their vehicle crashed shortly after collecting ransom money in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, forcing them to abandon their loot and weapons.

The incident occurred near Angwan Mayo, along the Kokona axis, on Tuesday. Reports indicate that the suspects had just collected a ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim when their Peugeot 406 car somersaulted.

Following the crash, the kidnappers fled the scene, abandoning ₦6.9 million in cash, multiple assault rifles, magazines, and live ammunition inside the wrecked vehicle.

Security operatives, including a joint team of police and military personnel, quickly arrived at the scene and recovered the items. According to the Nasarawa State Police Command, the recovered weapons include AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a Type-06 rifle, and large quantities of ammunition.

Police Spokesperson stated that one suspect, identified as Mohammed Tahir, was arrested during a manhunt operation. Tahir, from Barkin Ladi in Plateau State, confessed to being part of a seven-man gang that recently kidnapped a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja, before collecting the ransom in Nasarawa.

“We recovered ₦6.9 million, assorted rifles, magazines, and ammunition. Our operatives are intensifying efforts to arrest the remaining suspects,” the police spokesperson said.

The suspect reportedly revealed that the gang specializes in kidnapping wealthy individuals across Abuja, Nasarawa, and Plateau states.

Security Agencies Respond

The Nasarawa Police Command has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the gang. Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious movements to law enforcement.