Army, DSS Arrest Suspected Kidnapper While Collecting N200,000 Ransom in Nasarawa

In Nasarawa State, the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS) jointly apprehended a suspect involved in a suspected kidnapping attempt while attempting to collect a ransom of N200,000 from a female resident. Identified as Mukaila Iliyasu, the suspect was nabbed in Akwaba, Eggon Local Government Area, during a collaborative security operation involving Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke and the DSS.

Intelligence reports alerted authorities to Iliyasu's threat to abduct the woman if she did not pay the requested sum. Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Joint Task Force's Media Information Officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement. The operation commenced on October 29 when DSS operatives alerted the military to the alleged threat.

A soldier reportedly infiltrated the scenario, posing as the individual to receive the ransom. Iliyasu was subsequently apprehended while collecting the money, with N200,000 believed to be the ransom demanded. The military hailed the operation as a successful intelligence-led intervention, emphasizing the significance of inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities.

Following his capture, Iliyasu was handed over to the DSS for further investigation and potential prosecution. Major General Moses Kolo Gara, Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and 5 Division Commander of the Nigerian Army, praised the troops and DSS operatives for their professionalism, courage, and effective coordination.

He urged security personnel to maintain collaboration and enhance intelligence sharing to address kidnapping and other security threats in their respective areas. Gara stressed the importance of continued inter-agency cooperation to protect lives, safeguard communities, and maintain peace in the region.