Police in Katsina State will prosecute six suspects linked to the kidnapping of an eight-year-old boy. The arrests came after a swift investigation by the command's newly formed Violent Crime Response Unit.
The child was taken on May 13, 2026, while walking home from Quranic school. Kidnappers later contacted his family demanding N50 million.
After negotiations, relatives paid N17 million to secure the boy's release. Officers then launched a full-scale investigation into the abduction.
Acting on intelligence tips, operatives tracked down and arrested all six suspects on May 23, 2026. The arrests happened ten days after the incident.
Police spokesman Abubakar Aliyu identified the suspects in a Sunday statement. Nura Aliyu, 39, is the alleged ringleader and a neighbour of the victim's family.
Five others arrested include Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27), and Abdullahi Isma'il (30). All six men have confessed to their roles in the crime.
During interrogation, the suspects named another gang member still at large. Authorities are pursuing that individual.
Officers recovered a Peugeot 307 vehicle and a Boxer motorcycle from the gang. They also seized N7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom paid by the family.
According to Aliyu, the men will face court charges once investigations conclude. Katsina's Police Commissioner praised the operation and promised tougher action against kidnappers statewide.
