Police authorities in Nasarawa State have launched a full-scale manhunt following the abduction of Yusuf Musa, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information, in what is being described as a targeted and brazen criminal operation.
According to a statement by the Nasarawa State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, the incident came to light at approximately 3:05 a.m. on Tuesday, when a police patrol team from B Division, Lafia, discovered an abandoned Peugeot pick-up van with its doors wide open under suspicious circumstances.
“Further checks revealed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also left ajar. A rapid sweep of the premises confirmed that Barrister Yusuf Musa was missing, along with his black GMC vehicle bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA—strongly suggesting a case of abduction,” the statement read.
Following the discovery, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, immediately activated a high-level tactical response, mobilizing all divisional headquarters—including Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko—to close off potential escape routes and intensify surveillance across the state.
The Commissioner also ordered a coordinated manhunt involving intelligence and anti-kidnapping units to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped official.
“We are deploying every available resource to ensure the swift and safe return of Barrister Yusuf Musa and to bring those responsible to justice,” Commissioner Mohammed stated.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has called on the public to remain calm but vigilant and to report any suspicious movement or information that may aid the investigation to the nearest police station or through official communication lines.
Musa’s abduction has sparked widespread concern in Nasarawa’s civil service community and among residents of Lafia, where calls for tighter security and faster intervention continue to grow.
