The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old boy, Abba Aliyu, in connection with the kidnapping of a two-year-old child.
Aliyu, a neighbour of the victim’s family, was apprehended after demanding a ransom of N2 million and successfully extorting N500,000 from the family before the child was released.
Aliyu, a resident of the Badon Hanya area in Sokoto, was identified as the prime suspect in the abduction.
The police revealed details of the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday by the state command’s spokesman, ASP Ahmed Rufai.
According to Rufai, the ordeal began on October 13, 2024, when Ibrahim Shehu, the father of the victim, Saidu Ibrahim, reported to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that his son had gone missing around 6:00 PM.
The victim’s disappearance plunged the family into distress as they searched frantically for their child, but their efforts proved futile.
Three days later, on October 16, the situation took a grim turn when the family received a phone call from the kidnapper demanding a ransom of N2 million for the safe return of the boy.
After frantic negotiations, the kidnapper agreed to release the boy upon receiving N500,000, which was paid.
In an impressive show of swift action and investigative prowess, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
Tracing the suspect’s location to Badon Hanya, behind Zamson Filling Station, the police successfully arrested Aliyu and rescued the child.
“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to kidnapping the victim and holding him hostage with the intention of extorting money from the family,” the police spokesperson said.
He also confirmed that a Tecno Android mobile phone, which was used to demand the ransom, was recovered from Aliyu.
The arrest has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping in Sokoto State.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the police personnel involved in the operation for their swift and effective response, reiterating the command’s commitment to eradicating crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
CP Musa also took the opportunity to offer safety advice to parents, urging them to be vigilant in protecting their children from criminal elements.
He stressed the importance of teaching children to identify trusted adults, report suspicious activities, and avoid situations that could put them at risk.
“Teach them to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone or in isolated or dark places.
Encourage the use of the buddy system, and never let them accept gifts or rides from strangers,” CP Musa advised.
He also urged parents to foster open communication with their children to help them feel safe reporting any potential threats.
The successful rescue of the two-year-old and the arrest of the suspect is another example of the Sokoto State Police Command’s resolve to tackle the menace of kidnapping, which has become a troubling issue across the country.
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