Bauchi Police Nab Two Kidnappers, Free Four-Year-Old Boy

The Bauchi State Police have arrested two people suspected of kidnapping and rescued a four-year-old boy in Bauchi. This came after a quick operation based on intelligence.

SP Nafiu Habib, the police spokesperson, shared this news in a statement on Friday.

Habib explained that detectives from the State Intelligence Department tracked down the suspects after the boy's father reported the kidnapping. The father, 45 years old, lives in Gida Dudu Housing Estate in Bauchi.

He said, "On 10th June, 2026, the Command acted on a formal complaint of kidnapping lodged by a 45-year-old father, a resident of Gida Dudu Housing Estate, Bauchi. The complainant reported that his son, Musa (surname withheld), a four-year-old boy, was abducted from the frontage of their residence."

Habib added that early investigations showed that one suspect, Muhammad Usman, 39, lured the child from his home on June 9. He then took the boy to the home of the second suspect, Hayatudeen Ahmad, 40, who lives in the same estate.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that on 9th June 2026, the first suspect, Muhammad Usman, 39 years old, lured the minor from his home at Gida Dudu Housing Estate. He thereafter took the child to the residence of the second suspect, 40-year-old Hayatudeen Ahmad, both of the same housing estate," the police spokesman said.

According to Habib, Muhammad Usman tricked Hayatudeen Ahmad into believing that the boy was his sister’s son. He said the child’s mother was seriously ill.

"To conceal his crime, Muhammad Usman deceived Hayatudeen Ahmad, claiming the boy was his sister’s son and that she was critically ill. He further claimed it was too late to travel to Kano that night and pleaded with the second suspect to keep the child overnight, promising to take him to their family in Kano the following day," he stated.

The police also revealed that Usman later wrote a ransom note demanding N5 million from the boy's family.

"Subsequently, the first suspect wrote a ransom note and dropped it at the complainant’s frontage, demanding the sum of N5,000,000 and providing a phone number for payment," Habib added.

He mentioned that detectives quickly launched an operation after receiving the complaint. They found the child alive and well at the second suspect's house.

"Upon receiving the complaint, the detectives swung into action, tracked the suspects, and proceeded to the house of the second suspect where the victim was found alive and in good health. The child has since been reunited with his family," he stated.

The spokesman confirmed that both suspects are in police custody and are helping with the investigation.

"Both suspects are currently in police custody and are cooperating with investigators. Discreet investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident is ongoing, after which the duo will be charged to court," he said.

Habib also mentioned that CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, praised the detectives for their quick response and professionalism.

He said the commissioner assured residents that the police are dedicated to protecting lives and property. He warned that those involved in kidnapping and other crimes will face the law.

The police commissioner also encouraged parents and guardians to teach their children not to trust strangers. He asked them to stay alert and report any suspicious activities about children to the nearest police station.