Police nab two suspected kidnappers, rescue 10-year-old boy stuffed in sack

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate intelligence-led operations and rescued a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted in Tangaza Local Government Area of 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.

A statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the development.

According to the statement, 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.

When challenged by the detectives, the suspects reportedly took to their heels, triggering a pursuit.

In their desperate attempt to escape, they abandoned the sack and fled.

A search of the abandoned sack produced a shocking discovery: the missing 10-year-old boy was inside, alive and responsive.

The rescued child was immediately taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital, where he received medical attention and was subsequently discharged.

During preliminary investigation, the victim reportedly told the police that one of the suspects lured him into a room, injected him with a sedative and subsequently forced him into the sack before attempting to transport him away.

One of the suspects has since been arrested in connection with the abduction.

The police confirmed that the suspect has confessed to his involvement in the crime.

Crime Scene Investigators have also visited the location connected with the incident as the Command intensifies efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted abduction and apprehend any other persons involved.

Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers and detectives involved in the operations for their courage, vigilance and professional response.

Shaffa assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing and other operational strategies to protect lives and property, while warning criminal elements that the police would relentlessly pursue them wherever they hide.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting in the identification, tracking and arrest of criminal suspects.

The Command said investigations into both cases remain ongoing, with further updates to be released as new developments emerge