Police arrest six over kidnap of 8-year-old in Katsina

From Agaju Madugba, Katsina

A seven-man kidnapping gang that kidnapped an eight-year-old schoolboy and demanded ₦17 million for his release has failed to secure his release.

However, the police on Saturday tracked and arrested six of the hoodlums, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.

He explained in a statement that: “On 13th May 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., the victim (name withheld) was kidnapped while returning from an Islamic school.

“The following day, the suspects contacted the family and demanded ₦50,000,000 ransom. Following negotiations, ₦17,000,000 was paid to secure the release of the victim.

“Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the command swung into action. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked and arrested six members of the syndicate on 23rd May 2026.

“While interrogating the suspects, they confessed to the commission of the offence and mentioned one Abdul, currently at large, as their accomplice. A manhunt is ongoing for the fleeing suspect.

“During the investigation, one Peugeot 307, one Boxer motorcycle and a cash sum of ₦7,500,000, being part of the ransom money, were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for the swift operation and assured the public of the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.”