The commissioner of police said the children were bought by two women, Kulu Dongoyaro and Elizabeth Ojah for between N150,000 and N250,000.

He said that the women paid for the children on the pretext of taking them to an Abuja-based NGO for proper care.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested one Saifullah Hassan of Gunmi Local Government area of Zamfara State, who allegedly killed one Balikisu Garba at Ifeoma Hotel in Sokoto on May 24.

“On May 24, 2024, at about 0620 hrs, Mr John, the manager of Ifeoma Hotel in Phase 1, Old Airport area of Sokoto, reported that a woman identified as Balikisu Garba of Gidan Dare was found dead.

“On receipt of the report, police operatives from the Old Airport Division led by the DPO swung into action, and as a result, the suspect’s bag, which was abandoned after the act, containing some receipts of payment and some SIM cards, was recovered.

“These recoveries led to the identification of the suspect as one Saifullah Hassan of Gunmi LGA of Zamfara State, which intensified the investigation, and the suspect was later traced and arrested in Funtua, Katsina State.”

The command also announced the successful rescue of a lawyer, Rukayyat, who was kidnapped in Bado area of Sokoto.

“The command, through Yabo Division, in conjunction with the Military and Vigilance Group, acted on credible information and went for a rescue operation.

“The team went to the scene around the Binji axis, where they traced footprints towards a forest, where the suspected kidnappers were traced and routed, which resulted in the subsequent rescue of three victims.

“One suspect was neutralised and one injured, while ten rounds of live ammunition, two solar panels, one Tecno mobile phone, and a blanket were recovered at the scene.”

Kaigama assured residents of the state that the command remains committed to upholding law and order.

He commended the state governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, for his support throughout the investigation process, and called on the people to continue to cooperate with the police to make the state safer for all.