In a statement released to journalists by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Rufae Abubakar, police in the state reported a successful crackdown on a kidnapping syndicate, leading to the arrest of the prime suspect, 18-year-old Abba Aliyu, who was a neighbor of the victim’s family in the Badon Hanya area of Sokoto.
According to the statement, on October 16, 2024, around noon, Mr. Ibrahim Shehu reported to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Sokoto, that his 2-year-old son, Saidu Ibrahim, had been missing since October 13, 2024.
Despite efforts to locate the child, his whereabouts remained unknown until the abductor demanded a ransom of N2 million for the release of the victim via a phone call. Eventually, a sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) was paid to the suspect before the 2-year-old victim regained his freedom.
The command further revealed that detectives from the CID swiftly coordinated intelligence-led operations, successfully tracing the suspect’s location to Badon Hanya behind Zamson Filling Station, which led to his arrest.
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During the investigation, the suspect confessed to kidnapping the victim and holding him hostage with the intent to extort money from his parents. A Tecno Android mobile phone, used to demand the ransom, was recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa reiterated the command’s commitment to combating crime and praised the dedication of his personnel for ensuring the successful apprehension of the suspected kidnapper.
The statement also highlighted safety tips for parents to protect their children against criminal elements, which should be strictly enforced:
- Educate Your Children on Basic Safety Protocols.
- Teach them to identify trusted adults and report suspicious activities.
- Avoid walking alone and encourage children to use the buddy system.
- Stay in well-lit areas and avoid isolated or dark places.
- Never accept gifts or rides from strangers; warn them about potential lures.
- Report any suspicious activities and encourage open communication.