Nasarawa Police Rescue 17 Suspected Human Trafficking Victims, Launch Full Investigation

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 17 suspected victims of human trafficking during a stop-and-search operation in Mararaba, Karu LGA. The victims—11 boys and 6 girls aged between 10 and 19—were intercepted in a vehicle allegedly transporting them from Plateau State to Kwara State for promised farming jobs. Police said efforts to reach their parents and the alleged recruiter failed. The victims are now in protective custody as investigations continue to dismantle the suspected trafficking network.

#HumanTrafficking #nta #NasarawaPolice #NigeriaNews

FG Launches Recruitment of National Health Fellows to Strengthen Rural Healthcare in Nasarawa

The Federal Government has commenced the recruitment of young medical professionals to serve as National Health Fellows, a presidential initiative aimed at fostering a new generation of leaders in the health sector.

The program targets the selection of thirteen youths from the thirteen local government areas of Nasarawa State, with the goal of strengthening local capacity for health system reform and improving service delivery, particularly for rural communities.

Implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with state health ministries and development partners, the National Health Fellows program seeks to equip young professionals with leadership and management skills in primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Each local government area will host one health fellow.

The current session focuses on selecting fellows for Nasarawa State, with the selection panel evaluating applicants on areas of competence that will enhance healthcare delivery in rural communities. The panel emphasizes that the recruitment process will be merit-based, ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility.

Selected fellows will serve for a one-year tenure, during which they will contribute to healthcare reforms and youth leadership development at both national and state levels.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to developing youth leadership in the health sector while addressing critical gaps in rural healthcare delivery.

Six Kidnappers Arrested in Nasarawa: How Did Nigerian Police and Vigilantes Raid Forest Hideouts to Rescue Abducted Victims Alive—Is This the Turning Point in the State’s Kidnapping Crisis?

Can community cooperation finally break the grip of kidnappers in Nasarawa State? In a coordinated security operation, the Nigerian Police arrested six suspected kidnappers and rescued three abducted victims during a joint raid carried out with local vigilante groups in Angara and Fadaman Bauna villages.

According to police authorities, the operation was triggered by a distress report filed on January 7, after armed men reportedly invaded Angara village, abducted two women, and later seized one man, abandoning an infant at the scene. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered an immediate manhunt for those responsible.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that officers from the Assakio Division in Lafia East Development Area, working alongside community vigilantes, tracked the suspects to forest hideouts in Angara and Fadaman Bauna. The joint raid led to the arrest of six suspects and the successful rescue of the victims alive.

Nansel disclosed that the rescued victims—two females and one male—were found unharmed, promptly given medical attention, and safely reunited with their families. He added that the suspects have confessed to their alleged crimes and have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and prosecution.

Police authorities assured residents that the command remains committed to a sustained crackdown on criminal activities across the state. The commissioner emphasized that security forces will continue targeting kidnapping networks and forest hideouts to protect communities and restore confidence in public safety.

This development comes amid growing concerns over rising kidnappings in parts of central Nigeria, where rural communities have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs. Observers say the success of this operation highlights the importance of community intelligence, vigilante collaboration, and rapid police response in confronting organized crime.

But questions remain: Will this arrest disrupt wider kidnapping networks in Nasarawa? Can joint operations between police and local groups be sustained? And will the prosecution of the suspects send a strong enough message to deter future abductions? As residents welcome the rescue, many are watching closely to see whether this operation marks a lasting shift in the fight against kidnapping in the state.

How Did Two Young Men Try to Smuggle Marijuana Into a Kano Court? Who Were They Working For—and What Does Their Arrest Reveal About Nigeria’s Prison Drug Crisis?

How were two young men able to attempt a drug drop inside a court facility in Kano—and what does their arrest expose about the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking into Nigeria’s custodial system?

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, has arrested two men for allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana and other illicit substances to inmates during court proceedings at the Nomansland Court Complex. The suspects—identified as 25-year-old Usman Khalid and 24-year-old Bello Musa Ahmed, both from the Tsamiya (Brigade) area of Kano—were apprehended by officers attached to the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Goron Dutse.

According to the NCoS, the men were caught while allegedly trying to throw wraps of Indian hemp and other prohibited drugs to inmates as they were being moved in and out of the court. The arrest was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnasarawa, who said the suspects were intercepted before the items could reach any prisoner.

But why would suspects risk such a public and tightly controlled environment to deliver drugs? And who exactly were they trying to supply? While authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspects were linked to a wider trafficking network, the incident has raised fresh concerns about how criminal elements attempt to exploit court appearances and inmate movements to bypass prison security.

Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ado Inuwa, described the act as a serious security breach and a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He warned members of the public to desist from any interaction with inmates during court transfers, stressing that such conduct threatens both public safety and the integrity of the justice system.

Inuwa reaffirmed the NCoS’s commitment to rehabilitation and reformation, noting that drug trafficking into custodial facilities undermines discipline, fuels criminal behaviour behind bars, and sabotages correctional objectives. He directed that the suspects and the seized drugs be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

What does this case reveal about the broader problem of drugs in Nigeria’s prisons? The Kano Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offences, vowing to maintain maximum security across all custodial centres and judicial premises in the state. The Service also called on residents to report suspicious activities, emphasising that community vigilance remains vital in the fight against narcotics and organised crime.

As investigations continue, key questions remain unanswered: Were the suspects acting alone or as part of a larger network? Which inmates were the intended recipients? And how many similar attempts go undetected across the country? The outcome of this case may determine not only the fate of the two accused men but also how aggressively authorities tighten security around Nigeria’s courts and correctional facilities in the ongoing war against drugs.

“Southern Kaduna Crisis: 138 Kidnapped, 16 Killed in Less Than Two Months — Communities Petition Governor Sani”

Communities in Southern Kaduna have submitted an urgent petition to Governor Uba Sani and top Nigerian security officials, highlighting a “silent and neglected crisis” that has left 138 people kidnapped and 16 others killed between late November 2025 and early January 2026. The petition, presented by Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, provides a detailed village-by-village account of the violence in Kauru Local Government Area, underlining the severe human toll on residents.
The worst-affected village, Kabari (Gobirawa), recorded 53 abductions and four killings, followed by Rumaya (28 kidnapped, 3 killed) and Nasarawan Kadage (29 kidnapped, 2 killed). Other villages, including Kajunga, Fadan Rishiwa, Darmanu, and Ningi Karku, reported similar abductions and deaths. Smaller incidents occurred in Rafin Iwa, Fagen Rawa, Unguwan Baka, and Zaman Chawai, showing the widespread nature of the attacks.
The petition emphasizes that the victims are not mere statistics but farmers, women, youths, and breadwinners whose lives have been shattered. It draws particular attention to a 30 November 2025 incident, in which the Chawai Youth Leader and six others were killed just meters from a military checkpoint, yet there was no immediate response from security forces.
The petition criticizes local authorities, highlighting the “continued silence” of the Kauru LGA Chairman and the absence of advocacy from state and national lawmakers, which has deepened the community’s sense of abandonment.
The community is calling for urgent action, including:
Immediate deployment of security personnel.
Intelligence-led operations targeting criminal hideouts.
A public government plan to address ongoing insecurity.
An independent investigation into the November killings.
Accountability from elected officials.
While Governor Sani has promoted a “whole-of-society approach” to tackle insecurity, at the time of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Government nor federal security agencies had responded to the petition, leaving residents desperate for intervention.

“Nigerian Army Thwarts Armed Robbery on Abuja-Kaduna Highway, Arrests Suspect Kabiru Zayyanu – No Casualties Reported”

The Nigerian Army successfully foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Abuja–Kaduna Highway, arresting a suspect and preventing potential casualties, the military confirmed in a statement on January 7, 2026.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Shuaib Umar, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 1 Division, troops attached to Sector 1 of Operation Fansan Yamma responded promptly to a distress call on Tuesday regarding an ongoing armed robbery at Nasarawan Doka. The soldiers mobilized immediately, confronting the criminals and effectively neutralizing the threat.
During the operation, a suspect identified as Kabiru Zayyanu was shot in the leg and quickly evacuated to Doka General Hospital, where he received first aid. Other members of the criminal gang managed to escape, but a hot pursuit was conducted, with no further contact recorded. Notably, no casualties or abductions occurred during the incident.
The Nigerian Army emphasized its ongoing commitment to securing lives and property along the highway. Troops continue to maintain a strong presence, dominate key areas, and ensure a secure environment for commuters and residents. The arrested suspect will be handed over to the appropriate security agency upon completion of the investigation.
This successful intervention highlights the Army’s proactive response to criminal activities and underscores the importance of citizen vigilance, as the public is urged to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Abuja–Kaduna Highway, known for its strategic significance and past security challenges, now sees enhanced military oversight as part of Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed at curbing violent crimes and ensuring safe passage for travelers.

Nigerian Senator Godiya Akwashiki Dies at 52 in Indian Hospital, Family Mourns Loss of Nasarawa North Lawmaker

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has died at the age of 52 while receiving medical treatment in an Indian hospital. His death was confirmed by a family source on Wednesday and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The source described Akwashiki’s passing as a major loss to Nasarawa North and the entire state, citing his strong commitment to grassroots development and empowerment initiatives.

According to the family, Akwashiki created a lasting impact across the constituency through projects spread across nearly all communities, making him widely regarded as one of the most effective senators the zone had produced. He was notably the only senator from Nasarawa North to win re-election for a second term.

Before his election to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, Akwashiki had a long political career in Nasarawa State, serving multiple terms in the House of Assembly where he rose to Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker. Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, he was considered a key political figure whose death has left a significant vacuum in the state’s political landscape.

Breaking News: Top Nigerian Senator Godiya Akwashiki Dies at 52 in India After Prolonged Illness, Family Confirms

Godiya Akwashiki, the senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has died at the age of 52. Family sources confirmed that the lawmaker passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India, where he had been receiving treatment for a long-term illness.

Akwashiki was first elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019 and made history in 2023 by becoming the only senator from Nasarawa North to secure two consecutive terms since the state’s creation. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was widely regarded for his strong grassroots support and emphasis on constituency-focused development projects.

Before joining the National Assembly, Akwashiki served multiple terms in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, rising to the positions of Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker. Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, his death marks a significant loss to Nasarawa politics and Nigeria’s legislative community.

Mining Marshals Arrest Five Suspects for Illegal Mining and NSCDC Impersonation in Abuja’s Kuje Area Council

The Mining Marshals have arrested five men over alleged illegal mining operations and impersonation of security agencies in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The suspects were apprehended on December 27, 2025, at Kebi Mangoro following credible intelligence reports indicating ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.

Authorities identified the suspects as Muhammed Aliyu, Abdulrahman Hashimu, Tahir Muhammed, Awaje Abduljalal, and Kabiru Adamu. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group allegedly operated multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa State. Investigators further alleged that the suspects used a privately owned Toyota Hilux vehicle branded with the colours and insignia of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to bypass security checkpoints and intimidate stakeholders.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the offences, claiming their activities were directed by a fugitive businessman, Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited. Officials also disclosed intelligence suggesting attempts by the principal suspect and other accomplices to interfere with investigations by approaching the lawful mineral title holder.

Although the suspects were granted temporary bail, the Mining Marshals confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the case will be prosecuted. Reaffirming the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, the Commander of the Mining Marshals stated that the suspects would be charged to court, stressing the commitment of authorities to dismantle illegal mining networks and protect national security.

Gunmen Attack Nasarawa Community: Three Killed, Eight Injured As Police Launch Investigation In Lafia LGA

At least three people have been confirmed dead and eight others injured following a deadly attack by suspected gunmen on Akunza Ashige community in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, prompting an emergency response from the Nasarawa State Police Command.

According to police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel, operatives were immediately deployed to the area after a distress call. During the response, two corpses were recovered while nine injured victims were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals. One of the injured later died, bringing the death toll to three.

The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, extended condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a thorough investigation. Senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID and the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations, have been tasked with identifying and arresting those responsible. The police reassured residents of their commitment to restoring peace and urged the public to provide useful information to aid the investigation.

Bandits Attack St. Rita Catholic Parish House in Mararaba, Nasarawa, Stab Two Priests Amid Rising Insecurity Near Abuja

Armed bandits stormed the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of December 30, 2025, injuring two priests. The victims, Rev. Fr. Comas Baye and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital in Abuja, where they are reported to be in stable condition. The Parish Priest narrowly escaped unharmed. The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International condemned the attack as a barbaric assault on innocent clergy and called for urgent security measures around religious institutions. Authorities have been urged to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators to prevent further incidents amid increasing attacks on places of worship in the region.

Four Killed, Several Injured As Truck Crashes Into Eggon Carnival Procession In Nasarawa, Event Cancelled

At least four people were killed and several others injured after a truck rammed into participants during the annual Eggon Carnival procession in Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The accident, which involved three trucks, caused panic and disrupted the cultural celebration. The Federal Road Safety Corps attributed the crash to reckless driving, while witnesses called for a thorough investigation and mandatory drug tests for heavy-duty vehicle drivers. The injured are receiving treatment at Nasarawa-Eggon General Hospital, and the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital. Following the tragedy, organisers announced the cancellation of the 2025 Eggon Carnival and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Sad
heavy-duty trucks cr/ash into a Christmas procession at the annual EGGON carnival in Nasarawa State, leaving at least four d€*ad and many critically injured.

POLICE SMASH CRIMINAL RINGS, ARREST 22 IN MULTI-STATE OPERATIONS, RECOVERED VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES

The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad has recorded major operational successes in a series of intelligence-driven raids carried out across several states of the federation, leading to the arrest of twenty-two suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, car snatching, impersonation and drug trafficking.

According to a statement by the Force, operatives recovered six firearms, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, a sub-machine gun, pump-action gun and an LAR rifle, alongside assorted ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits believed to have been used in the commission of various crimes.

A major breakthrough was recorded along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where thirteen brand-new motorcycles were intercepted and a suspect linked to economic sabotage was arrested. In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives apprehended an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre as well as a suspect impersonating a police officer. Further arrests were also made in Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Nasarawa States.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and sustaining nationwide security operations. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing policing efforts across the country.

Grenade Explosion During Cleaning Exercise Injures Female Soldier, Two Children Inside Nasarawa Residential Compound

A routine cleaning exercise turned tragic in Maraba, Nasarawa State, after a hand grenade detonated inside a residential compound along Abacha Road, leaving a female Nigerian soldier and two children seriously injured. Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosive device had been stored in the apartment for about three years by an unidentified soldier who previously served in Nigeria’s North-East. The grenade reportedly exploded after a woman unknowingly brought it outside and asked the injured soldier to help identify it. The victims were rushed to multiple medical facilities, with authorities confirming that the soldier’s condition has stabilised as investigations continue into how the weapon was left behind.

Nigerian Judicial Council to Interview 28 Shortlisted Candidates for 14 Federal High Court Vacancies Nationwide in January 2026

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced plans to interview 28 shortlisted candidates for appointment to the Federal High Court in the second week of January 2026. The interview panel, to be chaired by a senior Supreme Court Justice and including current and former Nigerian Bar Association presidents, aims to fill 14 judicial vacancies across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Nasarawa State having two vacant positions. Human rights scholar Prof. Chidi Odinkalu disclosed the details and called for transparency in the appointment process, urging the public to submit any relevant information on the candidates. Observers stress that openness in judicial appointments is crucial to strengthening public confidence and the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary.

#NationalJudicialCouncil
#FederalHighCourt
#JudicialAppointments

Alleged Corruption Rocks Nigeria’s Federal High Court Judge Appointments

Fresh allegations of corruption have emerged in Nigeria’s Federal High Court judge appointment process following a September 2025 computer-based test (CBT). Some applicants claim that results were manipulated, with candidates who scored below passing marks allegedly shortlisted due to connections rather than merit. The applicants are calling for transparency and the public release of CBT results, warning that the National Judicial Council (NJC) may approve unqualified candidates. Alleged irregularities were highlighted particularly for Abia and Nasarawa states, raising concerns about fairness and integrity in judicial appointments.

Gunmen Kill Police Inspector, Two Civilians in Nasarawa Ambush, Steal Rifle

Gunmen ambushed a patrol team in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State, killing Inspector Jampi Mbursa and two civilians, Julius Igbogh and Raphaeal Julius. The attackers also stole the inspector’s AK-47 rifle before fleeing. Police are investigating the incident and tracking the assailants.

APC INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON OSUN GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY

The Governing All Progressives Congress APC has inaugurated a six member committee to conduct a governorship primary for nine aspirants and produce a standard bearer ahead of 2026 off-cycle Governorship Election in Osun State

Political Correspondent Abubakar Akwanga reports that, the committee is led by the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Governors of Nasarawa, Lagos, Ondo, former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya are to serve as members while former FCT minister Ramatu Aliyu is the chief scribe of the Committee

The Party assured of a thorough Job in its bid to reclaim back the party and provide good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State

Nasarawa Community Accuses Police of Aiding Criminal’s Fake Escape After Alleged Bribe

Residents of Cajah Estate in New Karshi, Nasarawa State, have accused police officers of deliberately enabling the escape of a notorious thief known as Doyin after allegedly collecting a bribe. The suspect, infamous for repeated break-ins, was arrested for stealing an air conditioner but reportedly “escaped” from custody in what residents describe as a coordinated cover-up. Community members claim the police fabricated the escape narrative to shield officers involved in releasing him.
The incident has heightened fear in the estate, with residents demanding a transparent investigation and accountability for officers implicated. The Nasarawa State Police Command says an inquiry has been launched and promised that findings will be made public.