The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects over alleged criminal conspiracy and kidnapping following a swift intelligence-led operation that led to the rescue of a four-year-old boy abducted from his home in Bauchi.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the victim, identified as Musa, was rescued unharmed and has been reunited with his family.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on June 10, 2026, by a 45-year-old resident of Gida Dudu Housing Estate, who told police that his son was abducted from the frontage of their residence a day earlier, on June 9.
Habib said preliminary investigations revealed that a 39-year-old suspect, Muhammad Usman, allegedly lured the child away from his home before taking him to the residence of a second suspect, 40-year-old Hayatudeen Ahmad, both of whom reside in the same housing estate.
“The suspect allegedly deceived the second suspect by claiming that the child was his sister’s son and that the mother was critically ill. He further stated that it was too late to travel to Kano that night and requested that the child be kept overnight,” Habib said.
Police further disclosed that the suspect allegedly prepared a ransom note and delivered it to the victim’s residence, demanding N5 million and providing a contact number for payment arrangements.
Following receipt of the complaint, Habib said detectives immediately launched an intelligence-driven operation, tracked the suspects, and stormed the residence of the second suspect, where the child was found alive and in good health.
He added that both suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody assisting investigators, while further inquiries are ongoing before prosecution.
Commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, praised their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Bauchi State.
He warned that individuals involved in kidnapping or related offences would face the full weight of the law.
The police commissioner also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, educate children on the dangers of interacting with strangers, and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
