Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.
The development was confirmed in a statement signed by Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday.
Narrating the incident, Hundeyin wrote, “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.”
The statement further revealed that “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.”
Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest of other possible collaborators involved. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing.
