Authorities free abducted toddler, apprehend three culprits in Kano operation

A remarkable rescue operation was carried out by the Police Command in Kano State, resulting in the safe return of a two-year-old kidnap victim, as well as the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a substantial portion of the ransom paid.

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The details of the incident were disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the command's spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, who revealed that the victim, Aliyu Muhammad, was kidnapped in front of his residence in Gwammaja Quarters, Dala LGA, on April 19.

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A resident of Gwammaja Quarters reported the kidnapping to the authorities, stating that his son, Aliyu Muhammad, aged 2, was taken by unknown persons, and the suspects subsequently demanded a ransom of N1 million, which was paid by the victim's family.

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Despite receiving the ransom, the suspects failed to release the child, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, to direct the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad to utilize all available operational and intelligence assets to track down the kidnappers.

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Through a sustained and technically-driven operation, the hideout of the suspects was identified, leading to the arrest of Hassan Umar, 26; Abdullahi Hamisu, 19; and Hussaini Saminu, 24, all residents of Gwammaja Quarters, Kano.

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An investigation into the incident revealed that the victim was held captive at the residence of Hussaini Saminu within Gwammaja Quarters, and fortunately, the child was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family.

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A sum of N930,000, representing part of the ransom paid, was recovered from the suspects, and the Commissioner of Police commended the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for their professionalism and resilience in rescuing the victim.

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The Commissioner of Police also expressed appreciation for the technical guidance provided by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which played a crucial role in the success of the operation.

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Bakori reiterated the command's commitment to fighting kidnapping and other violent crimes, warning criminal elements that Kano State would remain an unsafe haven for them, as the command would deploy all lawful assets to arrest and prosecute offenders.

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The Commissioner of Police urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station, and encouraged members of the public to provide credible information to the police through the command's emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575 or 09029292926.

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The suspects are set to be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, marking a significant step towards bringing the perpetrators to justice.