Nasarawa Police Arrest Suspected Cultist, Recover Pistol During Midnight Patrol

The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected cultist and the recovery of an English-made pistol during a midnight patrol in Lafia, the state capital.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the command said the arrest was made by operatives from the Ombi 1 Division during a routine patrol around 12:10 a.m. near the A.A Rano Gas Plant.

“On July 8, 2025, at about 0010hrs, while on routine patrol behind the A.A Rano Gas Plant in Lafia, operatives from Ombi 1 Division intercepted three young men dressed in red clothing, a common symbol associated with cult activities,” the statement read.

Nansel explained that upon sighting the patrol team, the three suspects fled, prompting the officers to give chase. One of the suspects was successfully apprehended.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Hassan Isah Sidi of Millionaires Quarters, Lafia, was taken into custody. A search of his person led to the recovery of an English-made pistol and a set of charms believed to be used for criminal activities.

He added that efforts are ongoing to track down the two other suspects who escaped during the operation.

The statement noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has commended the officers for their swift response and vigilance. He reiterated the command’s commitment to stamping out cult-related crimes across the state.

“The public is urged to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” SP Nansel added.

The arrest comes amid increased security patrols in Lafia and surrounding areas as the command intensifies efforts to tackle cultism and other forms of crime.