The Sokoto State Police Command has dismantled a kidnapping syndicate, arresting two suspects and rescuing a 10-year-old boy in separate intelligence-led operations. The boy, Muhammad Sufiyanu, was found alive inside a concealed sack after being abducted in Gidan Madi Town, Tangaza Local Government Area.
Arrest of Abdullahi Buba in Gwadabawa Raid
According to a statement by the command's spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, on August 12, 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Abdullahi Buba, alias "Osho," on August 8, 2026, during a raid on a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa LGA. The operation, conducted at approximately 1400hrs, followed credible intelligence.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Buba confessed to being a key member of a syndicate responsible for a series of kidnappings and the illegal imposition of levies on communities across Gwadabawa, Kware, and Gada LGAs. The suspect is currently providing actionable intelligence to assist police in tracking down other fleeing gang members, as efforts intensify to dismantle the criminal network.
Rescue of 10-Year-Old Muhammad Sufiyanu
In a separate incident, on August 11, 2026, at about 2000hrs, Sani Ibrahim of Gidan Madi Town reported at Gidan Madi Police Station that his 10-year-old nephew, Muhammad Sufiyanu, had been missing since that afternoon. The boy had gone missing at about 2pm that day.
At about 2300hrs, surveillance detectives from the Gidan Madi Division, accompanied by the complainant, intercepted two suspicious persons on a motorcycle carrying a concealed sack. When challenged, the suspects fled at high speed. After a determined pursuit, they abandoned the sack, which upon search was found to contain the kidnapped boy, alive and responsive.
Victim's Account and Medical Treatment
The victim was immediately rushed to Gidan Madi General Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. He later narrated that one of the suspects lured him into a room, administered a sedative via injection, and forced him into the sack. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident and has confessed to the crime.
Crime scene investigators have visited the scene, and investigations are ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, Cp Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips, commended the officers involved in these operations and reassured the public of the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Citizens are encouraged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid in the fight against crime. Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.
