The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted in Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.
The command said the breakthroughs were recorded during separate intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping and other violent crimes.
In one operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Abdullahi Buba, popularly known as “Osho,” at Tudun Doki Village in Gwadabawa Local Government Area on August 8.
Police said preliminary interrogation indicated that Buba was allegedly a member of a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping and the illegal collection of levies from residents in Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada local government areas.
The suspect is reportedly assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
In a separate operation, detectives attached to Gidan Madi Police Division rescued a 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Sufiyanu, who had reportedly gone missing earlier in the day.
The boy’s uncle, Sani Ibrahim, reported the disappearance at Gidan Madi Police Station around 8pm on August 11.
Detectives and the complainant subsequently commenced a search and, around 11pm, intercepted two people travelling on a motorcycle while carrying a suspicious sack.
The suspects reportedly fled when challenged, abandoning the sack.
A search of the sack revealed the missing boy alive and responsive.
The child was taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital for medical attention and was later discharged.
During preliminary investigation, the boy reportedly told police that one of the suspects lured him into a room, injected him with a sedative and forced him into the sack.
One suspect has been arrested and reportedly confessed to involvement in the crime.
Crime Scene Investigators have also visited locations connected to the incident as the command intensifies efforts to identify other persons involved.
Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers involved and assured residents that the command would continue to use intelligence-led strategies to combat criminality.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies. The command said investigations into both cases were ongoing.
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