Police Arrest 3 Over Attempt To Abduct 76 Children In Kaduna

The Force Headquarters says its personnel in Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State have foiled an attempt to abduct 76 children in the area.

It said that the incident occurred on January 5, adding that three suspects were arrested. Those arrested were Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23.

“On the 5th of January, 2026, at about 2000 hours, Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence that some suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the area. Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area.

“On arrival, the police team engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of seventy-six (76) children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven (7) and twenty (20) years. All the rescued children were unharmed.

“In the course of the operation, three suspects were arrested: Jonathan John ‘m’ aged 25, Oliver Magaji ‘m’ aged 27, and Bitrus Sawaba ‘m’ aged 23,” CSP Benjamin’Hundeyin, the
Force Public Relations Officer said in a statement on Wednesday.

He stated that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for “child labour and other domestic work”.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Command Headquarters pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.”