The Katsina State Police Command has announced the dismantling of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in the metropolitan area approximately 12 days ago. In a statement released by the command's spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, it was revealed that the sum of N7.5 million, among other items, was recovered during the operation.
Arrests and Confessions
According to Aliyu, six of the seven gang members have been apprehended, including a neighbor of the victim's family. One suspect remains at large. The arrested individuals have confessed to their involvement in the crime, and a manhunt is currently underway for the fugitive.
Details of the Incident
Aliyu detailed that on May 13, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the victim, whose name has not been disclosed, was kidnapped while returning from an Islamic school. The following day, the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a ransom of N50 million. After negotiations, a sum of N17 million was paid to secure the victim's release.
Upon receiving the report, operatives from the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the command initiated an investigation. Acting on credible intelligence, they tracked and arrested six members of the syndicate on May 23, 2026.
Suspects Identified
The arrested suspects have been identified as: Nura Aliyu, age 39, the mastermind and a neighbor to the victim's family; Abubakar Aminu, age 37; Ibrahim Muhammad, age 51; Iliyasu Sani, age 51; Abubakar Muhammad, age 27; and Abdullahi Isma'il, age 30. During interrogation, they confessed and named one Abdul, currently at large, as their accomplice.
Recovered Items
Items recovered from the suspects include a Peugeot 307, a Boxer motorcycle, and a cash sum of N7.5 million, which was part of the ransom money. The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift action and reassured the public of the command's dedication to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes. Aliyu added that the suspects will be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation.
