Traditional ruler turned kidnap gang leader on the run with family in Nasarawa

A traditional ruler who was alleged to have been operating a kidnap syndicate in Gidan-Bawa in Nasarawa State Local Government Council on Monday fled his home with his family to evade arrest.

His gang was said to have been busted by the operatives of. Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in charge of tackling bandits and kidnappers in Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa States, but on Monday, the traditional reportedly got wind of plans to arrest him, and escaped before operatives could get to his palace.

The traditional ruler who was identified as Dogara Yahaya (aka Maikasuwa Aruwa) CAPITAL POST learnt was said to have heavily involved in kidnapping through human intelligence.

Our correspondent reports that crackdown on criminals in the mandate States have been massive in recent times, hence, the OPWS, led by Major General Kevin Aligbe said, he would not leave chances for bandits and kidnappers to have field day in those areas.

He revealed that troops have recovered arms and ammunition during their operations in Maraba Udege, and Ugya in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State when the house of the traditional ruler was raided.

During the search, the troops recovered one locally-made revolver pistol, eight Dane guns, 20 cartridges of 6/7.62mm rounds of special ammunition, one axe, two mobile phones as well as charms.

The source noted that the military spike operation recorded the success through Human Intelligence (HUMINT) gathered for locals on activities of armed bandits and kidnappers at Gidan-Bawa.