The Nigeria Police on Wednesday, January 7, said it had successfully rescued 76 children in a foiled kidnap attempt in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement said the rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on January 5, 2026.
According to Hundeyin, at about 2000 hours, the Kaduna Command received credible intelligence that some suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the area.
He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area upon the receipt of the intelligence.
Hundeyin noted that the operatives engaged and successfully repelled the suspected kidnappers leading to the rescue of 76 children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven (7) and 20 years.
“All the rescued children were unharmed. In the course of the operation, three suspects were arrested: Jonathan John ‘m’ aged 25, Oliver Magaji ‘m’ aged 27, and Bitrus Sawaba ‘m’ aged 23.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for the purpose of 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 FPRO further stated that the police are currently carrying out an investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest of other possible collaborators involved.
Adding that the arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, Hundeyin said the Nigeria Police Force is committed to the protection of lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing.