The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a four-year-old boy in an intelligence-led operation.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, noting that the suspects were tracked after the child’s father reported the abduction.
The victim, a four-year-old boy identified as Musa (surname withheld), was said to have been taken from the front of his home in Gida Dudu Housing Estate, Bauchi, according to the report filed by his 45-year-old father.
Habib explained that investigations showed one of the suspects, Muhammad Usman, lured the child on June 9 before taking him to another suspect, Hayatudeen Ahmad, who resides in the same estate.
He added that the first suspect allegedly misled the second by claiming the child was a relative and that his mother was ill, persuading him to keep the boy temporarily.
Police further disclosed that a ransom demand of ₦5 million was later sent to the victim’s family alongside a phone number for payment.
Following the report, operatives swiftly launched an operation that led them to the second suspect’s home, where the child was rescued alive and safely reunited with his family.
Both suspects remain in custody and are assisting with investigations, with police saying they will be charged to court after the inquiry is completed.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their quick response and professionalism, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
He also advised parents and guardians to remain vigilant, caution children against strangers, and report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.
