Security Forces Nab Kidnap Suspects in Plateau, Recover N8m Ransom and Rescue Victim


Security operatives working jointly in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and successfully recovered ₦8 million previously paid as ransom. The operation also led to the rescue of a kidnapped woman from a forest hideout, marking another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb crime in the region.


The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, confirmed the development in an official statement released on Saturday through his media aide, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus.


According to the statement, the suspects—identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma—were allegedly involved in a violent attack that resulted in the death of Alhaji Saidu Mamma. During the incident, the attackers reportedly abducted his daughter and later demanded a ransom of ₦8 million, which the family paid.


Following a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies, the suspects were apprehended, and the full ransom amount was recovered. Authorities described the mission as a significant success, highlighting improved intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.


While addressing the public during the parade of the suspects and presentation of the recovered funds, Manship reiterated his administration’s firm stance against criminal activity. He stressed that Qua’an Pan would not serve as a refuge for criminals fleeing from neighboring areas.


He further directed that the recovered ₦8 million be returned to the family of the late Alhaji Saidu Mamma, whose daughter was taken during the deadly attack.


In a separate but related operation, security operatives rescued Mrs. Gambo Bello, who had been abducted in Padama, located in Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. She was reportedly held captive in the Pandam Game Reserve within Qua’an Pan.


Manship explained that intelligence reports about suspicious movements within the reserve prompted a targeted search operation, which ultimately led to her rescue. Bello, recounting her experience, said she spent more than a week in captivity before security forces stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.


She described a tense rescue effort that involved a prolonged exchange of gunfire between the operatives and the kidnappers, who eventually fled the scene, allowing her to be freed.


“The security personnel engaged them in a gunfight, and after some time, the kidnappers ran away. That was how I was rescued,” she said.


The chairman noted that this marks the third instance in which kidnappers have been apprehended and ransom money recovered in Qua’an Pan, alongside several other arrests made in recent times. He attributed these achievements to coordinated security efforts and what he described as divine intervention.


Manship also expressed appreciation to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his support in strengthening the area’s security framework. He assured residents that efforts would continue to secure border communities and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the local government.


The briefing was attended by various security personnel responsible for maintaining law and order in the area, underscoring the collaborative approach being adopted to tackle insecurity.





Key Facts from the Report


Two suspected kidnappers—Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma—were arrested.


₦8 million ransom paid by a victim’s family was fully recovered.


The suspects allegedly killed Alhaji Saidu Mamma and abducted his daughter.


The recovered ransom was ordered to be returned to the victim’s family.


A kidnapped woman, Mrs. Gambo Bello, was rescued after over a week in captivity.


She was abducted in Nasarawa State but held in Plateau State’s Pandam Game Reserve.


Security operatives engaged kidnappers in a gunfight before her rescue.


This is the third successful ransom recovery operation reported in the area.


Local authorities credited joint security efforts and intelligence gathering for the success.


The Plateau State government has been supporting enhanced security measures in the region.