Police in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State have detained three men after an anti-crime operation in Keana Local Government Area led to the seizure of dried and newly harvested leaves believed to be Indian hemp.
The suspects — Aondaver Dominic, Sylvanus Umoor and Peter Tar — were taken into custody at about 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia carried out the arrests during patrols in Sabongida Bature and Gidan Kparev, two villages in the Kadarko area of Keana LGA.
Police said the patrol team traced the men to a location suspected of being used for the sale and consumption of marijuana. The three allegedly tried to escape when they saw the officers, but were caught. Dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered at the scene.
Investigators subsequently searched a garden behind the suspects’ residence, where they said they found freshly cut leaves believed to be marijuana. All items seized have been retained as evidence while inquiries continue.
Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed ordered a full investigation and instructed that the suspects and the seized materials be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and any legal action required.
The commissioner also told police personnel to maintain the pace of operations and step up efforts against criminal activity throughout the state. The command said it remained focused on protecting residents and their property across Nasarawa State.
“The Command will not rest on its oars until crime and criminality are decisively curtailed in Nasarawa State,” Mohammed said.
Police urged the public to share reliable information with security agencies promptly, saying community cooperation was important to broader efforts to preserve peace and security in the state.
