The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate operations and rescued a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted in the state.
The police said one of the suspects, Abdullahi Buba, also known as “Osho”, is a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of Sokoto State.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, Buba was arrested on August 8 during a raid on a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area.
Police said the operation was carried out at about 2 pm following credible intelligence.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, showed that Buba was allegedly involved in kidnappings and the collection of illegal levies from communities in Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada local government areas.
The command said the suspect was also assisting investigators in tracking other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
In a separate operation, police rescued 10-year-old Muhammad Sufiyanu after he was reported missing in Gidan Madi Town, Tangaza Local Government Area.
The boy’s uncle, Sani Ibrahim, reported his disappearance at Gidan Madi Police Station on August 11.
Police said detectives from the Gidan Madi Division later intercepted two people riding a motorcycle at about 11 pm. The suspects were carrying a concealed sack.
The two men reportedly fled when officers challenged them, leaving the sack behind.
Police subsequently discovered the boy inside the sack, alive and responsive.
He was taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital for treatment and was later discharged.
The boy reportedly told investigators that one of the suspects lured him into a room, injected him with a sedative and forced him into the sack.
Police said one suspect had been arrested and confessed to the alleged crime, while crime scene investigators had also visited the area.
The command said investigations into both incidents were ongoing.
Commissioner of Police Hayatu Hassan Shaffa commended the officers involved and urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Sokoto State.
