Police Foil Bandit Attack, Attempted Abduction of 76 Children in Kaduna

The Nigeria Police Force has thwarted an attempted bandit attack and planned abduction of 76 children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation was carried out after operatives attached to the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence on a planned kidnapping.

The statement reads, “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.”

The statement added, “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.”

The statement disclosed that in the course of the operation, three suspects, Jonathan John ‘m’ aged 25, Oliver Magaji ‘m’ aged 27, and Bitrus Sawaba ‘m’ aged 23, were arrested.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work.

The statement further disclosed that 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.

“Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest of other possible collaborators involved. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing,” the statement concluded.