Nasarawa security operatives have arrested a suspected kidnapper while he was collecting a ₦200,000 ransom from a woman he allegedly threatened to abduct.
Troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) carried out the joint operation at Akwaba in Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The suspect, identified as Mukaila Iliyasu, was arrested after intelligence reports linked him to threats against a female resident.
According to the military, Iliyasu allegedly demanded ₦200,000 and threatened to abduct the woman if she failed to pay.
Undercover Operation Leads to Suspect’s Arrest
The Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, confirmed the arrest in a statement.
He explained that DSS operatives alerted the military to the alleged threat on October 29.
Following the report, troops from Sector 2 of Operation Whirl Stroke worked with DSS personnel to track the suspect and prevent the planned abduction.
Security operatives then devised an undercover operation to catch him during the ransom collection.
A soldier reportedly posed as the person assigned to deliver the money. The plan led to Iliyasu’s arrest while he was collecting the ₦200,000.
The operatives recovered the money, which the military identified as the alleged ransom demanded from the woman.
Suspect Handed Over to DSS
After the arrest, security personnel transferred Iliyasu to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military described the operation as an intelligence-led intervention that prevented a possible kidnapping.
It also highlighted the role of cooperation between security agencies in responding to threats and disrupting criminal activities.
Army Commander Commends Joint Security Team
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, praised the troops and DSS operatives involved.
Gara commended their professionalism, courage and coordination during the operation.
He urged security personnel to maintain close cooperation and improve intelligence sharing to tackle kidnapping and other security threats.
The commander also stressed the importance of sustained joint operations in protecting communities and maintaining peace across the region.