Kaduna Police foil kidnap attempt, frees 76 children

The Nigeria Police have announced the rescue of 76 children following the foiling of a planned kidnapping in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday, January 7, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement made available to journalists.

Hundeyin said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on January 5, 2026, after actionable intelligence was received.

According to him, at about 8pm, the command got credible information that suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists transporting children through the area.

He said the police immediately mobilised to the location, thwarted the plan and safely rescued all 76 children.

The police spokesman added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects involved, while security has been reinforced in the area to prevent a recurrence.

He added that the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Kasuwan Magani Division was promptly deployed with a team of officers to the location following the intelligence report.

Hundeyin noted that the operatives “engaged and successfully repelled the suspected kidnappers, leading to the rescue of 76 children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven (7) and 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,” he said.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for the purpose of 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.”

The FPRO further stated that the police are investigating to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to identify other possible collaborators.

He emphasized that “the arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” and reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the protection of lives and property.

Hundeyin also urged the public to “continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing.

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