Undercover security operatives arrest suspected kidnapper during ransom collection in Nasarawa

Suspected Kidnapper Arrested in Nasarawa State During Ransom Negotiation

Nasarawa State, Nigeria — Mukaila Iliyasu, a suspected kidnapper, was taken into custody by security officials who posed as civilians while delivering a ransom of ₦200,000 demanded from a woman threatened with abduction.

The arrest occurred in Akwaba, within the Eggon Local Government Area, during a coordinated operation involving troops from the Nigerian Army and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS). Security personnel apprehended Iliyasu as he attempted to collect the ransom at a predetermined location.

Military sources indicated that information was received regarding Iliyasu’s threats against a female resident, during which he demanded the ransom under duress. Following this intelligence, the DSS alerted troops from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke on October 29, leading to the planning of an operation to locate and arrest the suspect.

A soldier was deployed undercover to deliver the ransom, and the operation led to Iliyasu’s arrest at the moment he was about to take the money, which was subsequently recovered by security forces.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for Operation Whirl Stroke, confirmed the arrest in a statement, emphasizing that the operation was intelligence-driven and had successfully intercepted a potential kidnapping.

Iliyasu has been transferred to DSS custody for further investigation and possible prosecution. Major General Moses Kolo Gara, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, praised the professionalism and effective coordination of the operation, calling for continued collaboration among security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and joint efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

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