The Kano State Police Command has rescued a two-year-old boy, Aliyu Muhammad, and arrested three suspects in connection with his abduction, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the state capital.
The child was reportedly kidnapped on April 19, 2026, while playing outside his family home in the Gwammaja area of Dala Local Government Area. After several days in captivity, he was safely reunited with his parents on Saturday.
Police investigations revealed that the abductors had contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦1 million. Despite receiving the payment, the suspects allegedly failed to release the child, prompting the family to escalate the matter to authorities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, directed the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad to intensify efforts using both technical tracking and field intelligence to locate the suspects.
The breakthrough came when operatives traced the suspects to a hideout within the same Gwammaja neighborhood where the abduction occurred. During the operation, three individuals—Hassan Umar, Abdullahi Hamisu, and Hussaini Saminu—were arrested.
The toddler was found unharmed in a residence linked to one of the suspects, while officers also recovered ₦930,000, believed to be a large portion of the ransom paid by the family.
Confirming the development, Police Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Kiyawa said the operation demonstrated the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes, particularly those involving children.
He noted that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation as investigators work to determine whether they are connected to other kidnapping cases within the Kano metropolis.
The police assured residents of continued efforts to strengthen security and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.