Sokoto: Police arrest suspected kidnappers, rescue 10-year-old boy

In Sokoto State, law enforcement authorities have made significant strides in combating kidnappings, with the arrest of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of a 10-year-old boy.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, reported that Abdullahi Buba, also known as "Osho," was apprehended on August 8, 2026, during a raid on a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area. Buba is alleged to be a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate involved in various kidnapping incidents and imposing illegal levies in the areas of Gwadabawa, Kware, and Gada LGAs.

Preliminary interrogation suggested Buba was providing crucial information to aid the police in tracking down other fugitives linked to the syndicate.

Meanwhile, a separate operation led to the rescue of a 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Sufiyanu, from Gidan Madi Town, Tangaza Local Government Area. The child's uncle reported his disappearance to the police on August 11. Upon receiving information, surveillance detectives intercepted two individuals on a motorcycle carrying a concealed sack.

After a brief chase, the suspects abandoned the sack and fled, but the boy was found inside the sack, alive and responsive. He was promptly taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital for treatment and later discharged. The suspect involved in the incident has been arrested and confessed to the crime, while crime scene investigators are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.

Sokoto State Police Commissioner, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, expressed his gratitude to the officers involved in the operations and emphasized the importance of residents providing timely and credible information to the security agencies. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the people in the state.