Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Joint security operatives in Plateau State have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered the entire N8 million ransom paid by the family of a victim, in a swift operation that also led to the rescue of a woman abducted from a neighbouring state. The arrests, announced on April 25, 2026, by the chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, underscore the growing determination of local authorities and security forces to dismantle kidnapping networks that have terrorised rural communities across Nigeria’s North‑Central region. The suspects, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma, were tracked and apprehended following the abduction of a young woman whose father, Alhaji Saidu Mamma, was killed during the assault before a ransom could be demanded.
According to a statement issued by Manship’s media aide, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, the kidnappers attacked Alhaji Saidu Mamma’s family in Zomo, Mikang Local Government Area, killing him and abducting his daughter. They subsequently demanded and collected a ransom of N8 million from the bereaved family – a payment that, far from ending the ordeal, led directly to the suspects’ undoing. Acting on intelligence, joint security operatives in Qua’an Pan conducted a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of the two men and the full recovery of the ransom money. Manship, speaking during a public parade of the suspects and the recovered cash, declared zero tolerance for criminality in the area. “We will not allow criminals to operate in Qua’an Pan or use this local government as a hiding place after committing crimes in neighbouring councils or states,” he said. The chairman directed that the recovered N8 million be returned to the family of the late Alhaji Saidu Mamma.
While the arrests were under way, security personnel also rescued a woman, Mrs. Gambo Bello, who had been abducted from Padama in Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and taken to the Pandam Game Reserve within Qua’an Pan. The rescue followed intelligence reports of suspicious movements in the reserve, prompting Manship to order a search of the bush. Mrs. Bello, who spent more than a week in captivity, narrated how she was freed. “The security men came and exchanged gunfire with them. After some time, the kidnappers ran away and the operatives rescued me from the bush,” she recounted. She has since been reunited with her family. Manship noted that this was the third successful operation of its kind in the area and attributed the successes to improved collaboration among security agencies, as well as what he described as divine intervention. He also commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his support in strengthening security across the state.
The arrests in Qua’an Pan follow a pattern of intensified efforts against kidnapping in Plateau State. In recent weeks, security forces have carried out a string of operations, including the rescue of abducted women and children and the recovery of substantial ransom sums. The operations reflect a shift from purely reactive policing to intelligence‑led intervention, a change that has won cautious praise from local communities, though many residents continue to call for permanent security posts in vulnerable rural areas.
The two suspects, Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma, are being held while investigations continue. Manship has vowed to secure the borders between Qua’an Pan and neighbouring local government areas to prevent criminal infiltration. Present at the parade of the suspects were the Commanding Officer of the Shendam Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel R. Braimo, the Divisional Police Officer of Doemak Police Division, Adamu Nenfot, and other security personnel.
The operation demonstrates that while kidnapping for ransom remains a grave threat in Nigeria’s North‑Central region, a combination of community intelligence, inter‑agency cooperation, and decisive leadership can disrupt criminal networks and bring relief to affected families. For the family of Alhaji Saidu Mamma, the recovery of the ransom offers a measure of justice, even as they mourn their loss. For Mrs. Gambo Bello, freedom has come after a week of fear.
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