Police Rescue 76 Children, Arrest 3 Suspects In Kaduna

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rescued 76 boys and girls and foiled an attempted attack and kidnapping of children in Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.

In a statement issued yesterday by the force public relations officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, he said the state police command received credible intelligence on January 5, 2026, that suspected bandits planned 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 personnel to the area.

“On arrival, the police team engaged and repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of 76 children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven and 20 years. All the rescued children were unharmed.”

The statement said during the operation, three suspects: Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27 and Bitrus Sawaba, 23, were arrested.

Preliminary investigations revealed, “The suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for 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 command said investigations have begun to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to identify any other possible collaborators.

The suspects will be charged in court once the investigations are completed.

The Nigeria Police Force also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to assist proactive policing.

The statement added, “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.”