The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued four children who were abducted under suspicious circumstances in the Karu Local Government Area of the state. The children were rescued through what the police described as a discreet and intelligence-led operation carried out in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
The police confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists by the command’s spokesperson, Mr Ramhan Nansel. He said the successful rescue followed a report received on December 31, 2025, at the New Nyanya Police Division.
According to the police, the report was made after the children suddenly disappeared, raising fears that they had been abducted. Their disappearance caused panic among family members and residents of the area, who immediately sought help from security agencies.
Nansel said that immediately after receiving the report, the command launched a detailed investigation into the matter. He explained that the police relied on intelligence gathering and discreet tracking to trace the suspects and locate the children.
“Upon receipt of the report, the command immediately launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the incident,” he said.
He added that detectives from the Nasarawa State Police Command worked closely with operatives of the FCT Police Command to ensure the success of the operation.
“Acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the command, in collaboration with operatives of the FCT Police Command, swung into action and traced the suspects’ hideout, where the children were safely recovered unhurt,” Nansel stated.
The police said the children were found in good condition and showed no signs of physical harm at the time of their rescue.
According to preliminary investigations, the children were allegedly abducted by a 28-year-old man identified as Abraham Asoje. He was said to have carried out the act in collaboration with a 29-year-old woman, Joy Bolaje.
Both suspects are said to be residents of Ado Junction in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The police said the suspects allegedly kept the children in confinement before the timely intervention of the police prevented further harm.
While the statement did not disclose whether the suspects had been formally arrested, Nansel said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime.
“The rescued children have since been reunited with their families, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime,” he said.
The rescue of the children brought relief and joy to their families, who had been worried since their disappearance. Residents of the community also expressed gratitude to the police for their swift response.
A community source said the parents of the children were overwhelmed with emotion when they were reunited with their wards.
“They were very scared at first, but when they saw the children were safe, they thanked the police,” the source said.
The police did not release the names or ages of the children, in line with standard practice to protect minors.
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Mr Shetima Mohammed, praised the officers involved in the rescue operation. According to the police spokesperson, the commissioner commended their professionalism, dedication and quick response.
He described the operation as an example of what effective policing and good intelligence work can achieve.
The commissioner also reassured residents of Nasarawa State that the police remain fully committed to protecting lives and property.
Nansel said the command places special highlights on the safety of children and other vulnerable members of society. He warned that anyone found involved in child abduction or related crimes would face the full weight of the law.
He also called on parents and guardians to be more careful and vigilant in watching over their children.
“Parents and guardians should take proper care of their wards and be alert to their surroundings,” he said.
He stressed that community cooperation plays a major role in preventing crimes and ensuring quick police response.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police station.
He also provided the command’s emergency contact numbers for residents to use in case of emergencies.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or incidents to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 08037461715 and 07032532391,” Nansel said.
In recent years, cases of child abduction have raised concern across parts of Nigeria. Security experts say such crimes are often linked to ransom demands, human trafficking or other illegal activities.
Nasarawa State, due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, has experienced increased population movement, which sometimes creates security challenges. However, the police say they are working to strengthen intelligence gathering and cooperation with neighbouring commands to tackle crimes.
The collaboration between the Nasarawa State Police Command and the FCT Police Command in this case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in fighting crime.
Residents of Karu Local Government Area welcomed the rescue, saying it has restored confidence in the police.
A resident said, “We are happy the children were found alive. It shows that reporting early and working with the police can save lives.”
Others called for tougher punishment for child abductors to serve as a warning to others.
The police said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the abduction, including the motive behind it and whether more people were involved.
The command assured the public that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
For now, the safe return of the four children has brought a sense of relief to their families and the wider community.