The Nasarawa State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation and tactical operation following the suspected abduction of the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Yusuf Musa.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Permanent Secretary’s private residence located in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Confirming the development in a press statement made available to journalists in Lafia, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Superintendent Ramhan Nansel, disclosed that the abduction came to light after a police patrol team on routine surveillance made a disturbing discovery.

According to SP Nansel, at exactly 3:05 a.m. on Tuesday, officers from B Division in Lafia noticed a Peugeot pick-up van parked with all its doors suspiciously wide open. The vehicle, which was found near the residence of the Permanent Secretary, immediately raised concern and prompted officers to investigate further.

Upon approaching the house, the police noticed that the main gate to the compound was left open, an unusual and worrisome sign. A quick sweep of the premises led to the discovery that Mr. Yusuf Musa was nowhere to be found. It was also observed that his personal vehicle, a GMC model with registration number KUJ 88 PA, had been taken, indicating the possibility of a coordinated abduction.

Reacting swiftly to the situation, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered the activation of a statewide tactical operation, directing all units across the command to be on high alert. He further deployed police personnel to strategic locations across the state, including Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko, to intercept any movement linked to the suspected kidnappers.

SP Nansel explained that the command is deploying both intelligence and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the Permanent Secretary and the immediate apprehension of the perpetrators behind the act.

The Police Command also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely information that could aid in tracking the suspects. Citizens are urged to contact the nearest police station or call any of the command’s emergency numbers if they observe suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. However, concerns continue to mount over the growing insecurity in parts of the North Central state, with stakeholders calling for improved community policing and inter-agency collaboration to stem the tide of abductions and violent crimes.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were still combing suspected hideouts while surveillance has been intensified on all entry and exit routes in and around the Lafia metropolis and neighbouring towns.