Police in central Nigeria say they have shot dead a suspected kidnapper and cleared a major highway following a pre-dawn ambush on Monday.

The incident occurred at approximately 03:30 local time along the road linking the towns of Nasarawa Eggon and Akwanga. Officers on a routine patrol discovered that the highway had been barricaded with large stones—a common tactic used by armed gangs to force motorists to stop before abducting them for ransom.

According to a statement from the Nasarawa State Police Command, the gunmen opened fire as the patrol team approached. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, one suspect was fatally wounded while the rest of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush.

‘Relentless effort’

The deceased has been identified by authorities as Auta Habu, a resident of a local settlement who police say was a known operative in several recent criminal activities in the area. He was confirmed dead after being taken to a nearby medical facility.

The Commissioner of Police for Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, said reinforcements were quickly deployed to the scene to restore order.

“The highway has since been cleared and is now safe for motorists and other road users,” a police spokesperson confirmed, adding that a manhunt is currently underway to track down the fleeing members of the gang, some of whom are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

A persistent threat

Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant and lucrative “industry” for criminal gangs across many parts of Nigeria. Major transit routes, such as the Lafia–Akwanga highway, are frequently targeted by groups who exploit the cover of darkness and the rural landscape to ambush travelers.

The latest operation follows a directive from Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for regional commands to intensify their presence on inter-city roads. While the police have reported several successes in recent months, the threat remains a primary concern for Nigerians traveling between the country’s major urban centers.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements as they continue to comb the forests for the remaining suspects.