Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected kidnapper while attempting to collect a ₦200,000 ransom from a female resident of Nasarawa State.
The suspect, identified as Mukaila Iliyasu, was apprehended at Akwaba in Eggon Local Government Area of the state during a joint intelligence-led security operation involving troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, and DSS operatives.
The Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, confirmed the arrest in a statement.
According to the statement, the operation followed intelligence reports that Iliyasu had allegedly threatened to abduct a woman unless she paid ₦200,000.
The DSS reportedly alerted the military to the threat on October 29, prompting security operatives to launch a coordinated operation to track down the suspect and prevent the planned abduction.
As part of the operation, a soldier reportedly went undercover, posing as the person assigned to deliver the ransom.
The suspect was subsequently arrested while attempting to collect the money, with security operatives recovering ₦200,000 believed to be the ransom demanded from the intended victim.
The military described the operation as a successful intelligence-driven intervention that prevented a potential kidnapping, highlighting the importance of collaboration among security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
Following his arrest, Iliyasu was handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, commended the troops and DSS operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective coordination.
Gara urged security personnel to sustain the cooperation and strengthen intelligence sharing to address kidnapping and other security threats across their areas of responsibility.
He further emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting lives, securing communities and maintaining peace across the region.
