Nasarawa State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, has confirmed the release of the chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, Safiyanu Isa-Andaha, along with three others.
The release occurred around 8:45 PM on Tuesday in Andaha village, Akwanga local government area, following sustained pressure from combined security agencies. Contrary to reports, DSP Nansel refuted claims of a 10 million naira ransom being paid for their release. After their release, Meshi and the others are currently receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi.
The abduction had taken place on Monday night in Ningo village, Akwanga Local Government Area. Despite the presence of security operatives, gunmen have continued to operate in the North-Central and North-Western regions of Nigeria. Nasarawa, like Zamfara, faces security challenges from bandits who engage in raids, abductions, and violence against residents.
These criminal groups maintain camps in a vast forest spanning multiple states. Nigeria grapples with various security issues, including a long-standing jihadist insurgency in the northeast. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized addressing insecurity as part of efforts to attract foreign investment to the country.