By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command has intensified efforts to curb crime and criminality in the state with the successful neutralisation of a suspected kidnapper and recovery of a firearm in Mangu Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on May 6, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m. when police detectives attached to the Gindiri Division, while trailing criminal elements at Changal Village in Gindiri District of Mangu LGA, came under attack from a gang of armed criminals allegedly led by one Ibrahim Abdullahi, described as a notorious suspect terrorising residents of Gindiri and surrounding communities.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo.
According to the statement, the operatives responded professionally, leading to a gun duel between the police team and the suspects.
During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralised, while other members of the gang were arrested.
Another suspect, who sustained a fracture in his leg while attempting to escape, was taken to hospital and is currently receiving medical attention.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, as well as a Redmi phone believed to belong to one of their victims.
The police said the case has been transferred to the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) for further discreet investigation, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by the operatives and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against crime and criminality in the state.