Gunmen abduct Nasarawa Permanent Secretary at residence

In yet another troubling case of insecurity, suspected gunmen have abducted Barrister Yusuf Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Information, Tourism, and Culture.

The incident occurred at his residence in the Shinge area of Lafia, the state capital, sending shockwaves through the civil service and local community.

The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the abduction on Tuesday, describing it as a suspected kidnapping. Authorities say the command has launched an extensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victim.

According to sources, the attackers stormed Musa’s home in the dead of night and whisked him away under threatening circumstances.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, said the incident was discovered by officers on patrol.

“At about 0305hrs, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a patrol team from B Division, Lafia, discovered a Peugeot pick-up van with all doors left wide open in a suspicious manner.

“Upon closer examination, officers observed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also ajar, prompting immediate security concern,” the statement read.

Nansel added that a search of the premises confirmed that the permanent secretary was missing, along with his GMC vehicle bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA.

Following the discovery, the state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, activated a tactical operation across Nasarawa, including divisions in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko, while surveillance was deployed along key routes to intercept the suspects.

The statement added that the Commissioner has “ordered an intensive statewide manhunt and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the victim’s safe rescue and the immediate apprehension of those behind the act.”

The police urged the public to remain calm and assist with useful information.

“The Nasarawa State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and vigilant. Anyone with useful information is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency lines on 08036157659, 08037461715, and 07032532391,” the statement added.