THE Kano State Police Command has rescued a nine-year-old boy, Ubaiyu Muhammad Sammani, from Rimin Kebbe Quarters in Kano, unhurt after spending nearly four weeks in captivity. The operation also led to the arrest of 10 suspects, comprising nine men and one woman, in connection with the abduction.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed that the suspects had demanded a ransom of $30,000 for the release of the child. He added that the rescue mission was executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, following sustained surveillance and intelligence-led policing.
According to Kiyawa, the victim was rescued on July 31 at Karshen Kwalta, Rimin Kebbe, in Ungogo Local Government Area, behind the residence of the fleeing principal suspect, identified as Abubakar Salihu, also known as Sankolo, 25, who remains at large.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects played different roles in the abduction, including unlawful trespass, keeping the victim in captivity, communicating the ransom demands, and facilitating the movement of the child across different locations.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the victim had undergone medical examinations at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano, where he was confirmed to be safe and unharmed.
The Police Command stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its professionalism, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through proactive policing and stronger community partnership.
The Commissioner of Police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
