A notorious cattle rustler, Abashe Gizo, who had long been on the wanted list of the Nasarawa State Police Command, has been apprehended in Lafia.
The arrest, which took place on Saturday at the Shinge Market in Lafia, was carried out through an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
In a statement released on Sunday in Lafia, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrest and highlighted the suspect’s criminal history.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crimes and led officers to his hideout at Ruwan Baka village, Doma LGA, where one AK-49 rifle (Breach No. 453144) and a magazine were recovered in his possession,” Nansel stated.
The police spokesperson noted that Gizo had been linked to several crimes including kidnapping and cattle rustling, prompting a sustained manhunt for his capture.
This development comes shortly after the command arrested 21-year-old Fatima Salisu, who was allegedly intercepted while conveying ammunition to Katsina State.
“This major breakthrough comes just days after the arrest of Fatima Salisu, who was intercepted while transporting a cache of ammunition from Doma to Katsina State, intended for criminal elements,” Nansel added.
The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the efforts of the operatives and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to fighting crime in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to rooting out crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents across Nasarawa State.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as we continue to work tirelessly to make our communities safer,” the statement added.
Salisu was arrested with 481 rounds of assorted ammunition in the Azuba area of Lafia. According to the police, she was apprehended based on intelligence reports.
Nansel had earlier said, “The suspect was intercepted while allegedly transporting the ammunition to suspected criminal elements in Katsina.” He further explained that the arrest led to the recovery of 481 rounds of different ammunition.
The police have confirmed that Salisu will be charged to court.
