Sokoto Police smash kidnapping syndicate, nab 2 suspects, rescue kid
Sokoto Police smash kidnapping syndicate, nab 2 suspects, rescue kid 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has dealt a major blow to criminal networks operating across the state, following two successful intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest of two suspects, including a notorious kidnapper, and the safe rescue of a 10-year-old boy.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Sokoto by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Ahmed Rufai.
The statement said that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area, on August 8, 2026, at approximately 1400hrs.
It added that the raid led to the arrest of Abdullahi Buba, alias “Osho,” male.
The statement continued, “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 across Gwadabawa, Kware, and Gada Local Government Areas.
“The suspect is currently providing actionable intelligence to assist the police in tracking and arresting other fleeing gang members, as efforts intensify to completely dismantle the criminal network.”
According to the statement, in a separate development, on August 11, 2026, at about 2000hrs, one Sani Ibrahim of Gidan Madi Town, Tangaza LGA, reported at the Gidan Madi Police Station that his 10-year-old nephew, Muhammad Sufiyanu, had been missing since that afternoon.
It said, “At about 2300hrs, surveillance detectives from the Gidan Madi Division, accompanied by the complainant, intercepted two suspicious persons on a motorcycle carrying a concealed sack. When challenged, the suspects fled at high speed.
“After a determined pursuit, they abandoned the sack, which upon search was found to contain the kidnapped boy, alive and responsive.
“The victim was immediately rushed to Gidan Madi General Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. He later narrated that one of the suspects lured him into a room, administered a sedative via injection, and forced him into the sack.
“One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident and has confessed to the crime. Crime scene investigators have visited the scene, and investigations are ongoing.”
The statement further quoted the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, as commending the officers involved in these operations.
The CP reassured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He urged,” Citizens are encouraged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the ongoing fight against crime.
“Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.”
