THE Gombe State Police Command has rescued an eight-year-old boy who was abducted in Akko Local Government Area of the state and arrested four suspects allegedly involved in the crime.
News Point Nigeria reports that the command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the victim was rescued unharmed through an intelligence-led operation and reunited with his family, while the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
According to the statement, the boy’s father, Muhammadu Nabadara, reported the incident to the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 after his son left home the previous day at about 6:30 a.m. and failed to return.
The police said detectives immediately launched an investigation and intensified efforts to trace the missing child.
The statement explained that on June 29, the victim’s family received a telephone call claiming to reveal the child’s location. However, after verification by the police, the information turned out to be false.
It added that intelligence-led operations recorded a breakthrough on June 30 when operatives arrested the first suspect, identified as Abdullahi Mohammed of Jauro Musa Quarters in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area.
“During interview, the said Abdullahi Mohammed confessed to have conspired with Mohammed Magaji, 35; Sale Sale, 23 and Walida Ya’u, 18, all of Kagarawal Quarters, Gombe, to abduct the victim,” the statement said.
The police said the three other suspects were subsequently arrested, while the abducted boy was found in their custody.
“The victim was successfully rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family. However, investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion,” the statement added.
Commending the operatives for the successful rescue operation, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, praised their professionalism, diligence and prompt response.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the professionalism, diligence and swift response of the operatives involved in the rescue operation. He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, on July 1, the Ondo State Police Command rescued a 61-year-old woman, Modupe Oladele, who had been abducted by armed men in Owo, Owo Local Government Area.
The command said the operation was carried out following a swift response by its operatives under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.