Katsina State Police Command has announced plans to arraign a neighbour to the family of an eight-year-old boy and five other suspects over the kidnapping of the child in Katsina metropolis. The arrest, carried out by the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation following the abduction on May 13, 2026. The victim, a primary school student, was taken while returning from an Islamic school, prompting the suspects to demand a ransom of N50 million. After negotiations, the family paid N17 million, leading to the child’s release.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday. He confirmed that the unit launched a thorough investigation immediately after the incident and, based on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested six members of the criminal syndicate on May 23, 2026. The suspects, identified as Nura Aliyu (39), Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27), and Abdullahi Isma’il (30), are now in custody. Nura Aliyu, the alleged mastermind, is also a neighbour to the victim’s family, raising concerns about community trust and security.
During questioning, the suspects confessed to the crime and revealed that one accomplice remains at large. Police have recovered several exhibits linked to the kidnapping, including a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle, and N7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom money. These items are now in police custody as evidence for the upcoming court proceedings. The police spokesperson emphasized that the suspects will be formally charged to court once investigations are complete.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State commended the operatives for their swift and effective response, highlighting the unit’s role in combating violent crimes. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and tackling kidnapping, which remains a pressing security challenge in the state. Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining suspect, with intelligence gathering ongoing. This case underscores the growing role of specialized units in addressing complex criminal activities in Nigeria’s northern regions. The successful rescue of the child and arrest of key suspects sends a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
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