Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Information, Tourism, and Culture, Barrister Yusuf Musa, from his residence in the Shinge area of Lafia, the state capital.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing it as a suspected case of kidnapping.
Authorities have reportedly launched a state-wide manhunt to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victim.
In a statement on Tuesday, the command Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, said the incident was discovered by officers on patrol.
“At about 0305hrs, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a patrol team from B Division, Lafia, discovered a Peugeot pick-up van with all doors left wide open in a suspicious manner.
“Upon closer examination, officers observed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also ajar, prompting immediate security concern,” the statement read.
Nansel added that a search of the premises confirmed that the permanent secretary was missing, along with his GMC vehicle bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA.
Following the discovery, the state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, activated a tactical operation across Nasarawa, including divisions in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko, while surveillance was deployed along key routes to intercept the suspects.
The statement added that the Commissioner has “ordered an intensive state-wide manhunt and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the victim’s safe rescue and the immediate apprehension of those behind the act.”
The police have called on the public to remain calm and cooperate by providing any useful information to aid with the investigation.
“The Nasarawa State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and vigilant. Anyone with useful information is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency lines on 08036157659, 08037461715, and 07032532391,” the statement added.
