Eid-el-Kabir: Police arrest suspected criminals, recover firearms in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command stepped up security operations throughout the state during the Eid‑el‑Kabir celebrations, resulting in the arrest of suspected criminals and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and other weapons.

Police officials said the operations were part of a proactive effort to ensure a peaceful and crime‑free Sallah celebration across the state.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Police Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel, officers from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) made a significant breakthrough on May 27 2026 at about 4:30 p.m. during an intensive patrol around Ombi I in Lafia.

The statement noted that the officers intercepted three suspects—Julius Ishaya, 25; Shuaibu Nuhu, 24; and David Usman, 26—who were residents of Transformer Street, Ombi I, Lafia. The suspects were stopped while carrying a small handbag and could not provide satisfactory explanations for their movement and possessions.

A search of the suspects yielded “one fabricated Beretta pistol, one live 9mm ammunition, four Android phones, criminal charms, and one Bajaj motorcycle.”

The suspects were taken into custody immediately, and investigations began to determine their possible involvement in other criminal activities and to uncover their alleged network.

In a separate operation on the same day at about 7:07 p.m., police from the Metro Area Command in Lafia responded to a distress call from a resident of the Bukan Kwato area regarding the movement of suspected members of an unlawful society.

The police said the suspects were allegedly returning from a meeting held in Lafia and were intercepted along the New Bypass while heading toward Mararaba Akunza.

The team quickly reached the scene and arrested three suspects—Abubakar Ibrahim, 17; Walid Mohammed, 14; and Zubairu Ibrahim—who are residents of Mararaba Akunza in Lafia. Items recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol, an axe, and a red beret suspected to be linked to cult‑related activities.

Commenting on the developments, Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed praised the officers for their professionalism and swift response to security threats across the state.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property before, during, and after the Eid‑el‑Kabir celebrations.

“The Command remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard lives and property throughout the festive period,” the CP stated.

He warned criminal elements and members of unlawful groups to desist from all forms of criminal activity or face the full weight of the law.

The commissioner urged residents to stay vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that can enhance security across Nasarawa State.

The Command added that the suspects would be charged in court once investigations are complete.