Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim during a coordinated operation in Nasarawa State.
The operation was carried out at Atabula, Duduguru community, in the Jenkwe Development Area of the state, as well as in Lafia, the state capital.
One of the suspects was arrested at a makeshift camp believed to have been used as a hideout by the suspected kidnappers, while two others were tracked to a hotel in Lafia, where they were apprehended by the security operatives.
During the operation, the DSS operatives also destroyed the makeshift camp and recovered cash, five mobile phones and other items suspected to be connected to the activities of the criminal group.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Ibrahim Addra, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Reacting to the operation, Sule commended the security agencies for what he described as their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to tackling kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the state.
The governor said the arrests and rescue operation demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained security efforts in confronting criminal elements operating in Nasarawa.
He urged the security agencies to sustain the momentum and remain resolute in their efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prevent them from establishing footholds in communities across the state.
Sule also assured the security agencies of the continued support of his administration as they discharge their responsibilities of protecting lives and property.
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The governor further called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in preventing crimes and apprehending suspected criminals.
He stressed that the cooperation of citizens remained critical to maintaining peace and security in the state.
“Collective vigilance and cooperation are essential to maintaining peace and security in the state,” the governor said.
The latest operation comes amid continuing efforts by security agencies across Nasarawa State to disrupt kidnapping networks and other criminal activities, particularly in communities vulnerable to attacks.
The successful rescue of the victim and arrest of the three suspects are expected to provide security agencies with further leads in their efforts to identify and dismantle other members of the criminal network.
Authorities have continued to urge residents to work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities in their communities.