Police save 10-year-old boy in Sokoto and catch two suspects

The Sokoto State Police have arrested two people suspected of kidnapping and rescued a 10-year-old boy in different actions across the state.

On Wednesday, the police issued a statement through their Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i. One of the suspects, Abdullahi Buba, also known as "Osho," was caught during a raid on a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the operation around 2 p.m. on August 8. They arrested Buba, who reportedly confessed to being part of a well-known kidnapping group.

The police shared that the suspect admitted to being involved in several kidnappings and demanded illegal payments from communities in Gwadabawa, Kware, and Gada local government areas.

"During preliminary interrogation, Buba confessed to being a key member of a notorious syndicate responsible for a series of kidnappings and the illegal imposition of levies on innocent communities," the statement mentioned.

The police also said Buba is giving useful information that could help them find other members of his gang who are still free.

In another operation in Tangaza Local Government Area, the police rescued Muhammad Sufiyanu, a 10-year-old boy who was reportedly kidnapped from Gidan Madi Town.

His uncle, Sani Ibrahim, reported him missing at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gidan Madi Police Station. Later, police detectives spotted two suspicious guys on a motorcycle around 11 p.m., carrying a hidden sack.

"After a determined pursuit, they abandoned the sack, which upon search was found to contain the kidnapped boy, alive and responsive," the statement said.

The police rushed the boy to Gidan Madi General Hospital for medical care, and he was later discharged.

The boy told the police that one of the suspects tricked him into a room, injected him with a sedative, and forced him into the sack.

One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case and has reportedly admitted to the crime. Crime scene investigators have gone to the location as the investigation continues.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, praised the officers involved in these operations. He said their actions show the police's commitment to protecting lives and property.

Shaffa also urged community members to keep giving timely and reliable information to security agencies. He emphasized that this cooperation is crucial in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes in the state.