The Nigeria Police Force has successfully foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, leading to the rescue of seventy-six (76) children and the arrest of three suspects.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Kaduna State Police Command on 5 January 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., received credible intelligence indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists and kidnap children being conveyed through the area.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kasuwan Magani Division mobilised a team of police personnel to the location. Upon arrival, the police team engaged the suspected attackers and successfully repelled them, preventing the planned attack.
During the operation, seventy-six children—both males and females aged between seven (7) and twenty (20) years—were rescued unharmed.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. They were identified as Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23). Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly conveying the children to various 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.
Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to arrest other possible collaborators. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and called on members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to enhance proactive policing across the country.
