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Joint security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered N8 million ransom paid by the family of a victim, while also rescuing an abducted woman from a forest hideout.
The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, confirmed the development on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in a statement issued by his media aide, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus.
According to the statement, the suspects were identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma. They were alleged to have killed Alhaji Saidu Mamma during an operation and abducted his daughter, after which they demanded and collected N8 million ransom.
Following a coordinated operation by joint security agencies in Qua’an Pan, the suspects were arrested and the full ransom amount recovered.
While parading the suspects and presenting the recovered cash, Manship reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for criminal activity 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.
He directed that the recovered N8 million be returned to the family of the late Alhaji Saidu Mamma, whose daughter was abducted during the attack that claimed his life.
In a related development, security operatives also rescued Mrs. Gambo Bello and reunited her with her family. She was reportedly kidnapped in Padama, Lafia East Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and taken to Pandam Game Reserve, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Manship said intelligence reports on suspicious movement within the reserve prompted him to order a bush-combing operation, which led to her rescue.
Mrs. Bello, while narrating her ordeal, said she spent over a week in captivity before security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.
“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 said.
Manship said the latest operation marks the third time kidnappers have been arrested and ransom recovered in Qua’an Pan, alongside several other arrests recorded in the area.
He attributed the successes to divine intervention and the collaborative efforts of security agencies.
The council boss also expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for supporting efforts to strengthen the security architecture in the state.
He further vowed to secure all border communities linking Qua’an Pan with neighbouring local government areas and states to prevent criminal infiltration.
The statement added that security operatives present at the briefing are part of ongoing efforts to protect lives and property in the area.
