The Sokoto State Police Command has scored key breakthroughs in its crackdown on kidnapping, with the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of a 10-year-old boy in two separate operations.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Command said the actions reflect its renewed push to dismantle criminal networks terrorizing communities across the state.
The first operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on August 8, 2026, at about 2:00pm. Acting on intelligence, officers stormed a suspected den at Tudun Doki Village in Gwadabawa LGA and arrested Abdullahi Buba, popularly called “Osho.”
According to police, initial interrogation revealed that Buba allegedly belongs to a gang behind multiple abductions and the illegal collection of levies from residents in Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada LGAs.
Authorities said the suspect is now cooperating with investigators and providing leads that could help apprehend other members of the syndicate who escaped. A manhunt for the remaining suspects is ongoing.
In a second incident in Tangaza LGA, operatives from the Gidan Madi Police Division rescued a 10-year-old, Muhammad Sufiyanu, who had been taken earlier on August 11.
The boy’s uncle, Sani Ibrahim, reported him missing at the Gidan Madi station around 8:00pm. Detectives immediately swung into action. At about 11:00pm, they intercepted two men on a motorcycle carrying a tied sack. On inspection, the child was found inside. He was rescued safely.
The Command confirmed that investigations into both cases are still in progress and further details will be released as they emerge.
CP Shaffa, the State Commissioner of Police, reassured residents that the Command will sustain intelligence-led policing to safeguard lives and property. He also warned criminal elements that they will be pursued wherever they are.
He urged the public to remain watchful and to volunteer credible information that can assist security agencies in tracking and arresting suspects.