The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of involvement in a kidnapping operation and the successful rescue of a 10-year-old boy. The boy, identified as Muhammad Sufiyanu, was reported missing on August 11, 2026, in Gidan Madi Town, Tangaza Local Government Area.
According to police spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the tragedy unfolded when the boy’s uncle, Sani Ibrahim, reported his disappearance. The incident was flagged at the Gidan Madi Police Station after the boy went missing around 2 PM. Later that evening, police surveillance teams intercepted two individuals on a motorcycle carrying a concealed sack.
Upon questioning, the suspects fled, abandoning the sack, which was subsequently found to contain the boy. Authorities quickly transported him to Gidan Madi General Hospital, where he received treatment and was later discharged. The boy disclosed that he had been lured into a room and injected with a sedative before being forced into the sack.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested Abdullahi Buba on August 8 during a raid on a known criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area. This operation was based on credible intelligence received by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Buba has reportedly confessed to being a part of a syndicate involved in multiple kidnappings and extortion activities in the surrounding localities.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, with Buba providing information that may lead to the capture of additional suspects associated with the organized criminal group. Police Commissioner Hayatu Hassan Shaffa commended the officers for their swift action and reaffirmed the commitment of the Sokoto State Police to ensure public safety. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
