Security guard reportedly kidnaps twins in Minna

The police have confirmed that a family's security guard is suspected of kidnapping six-year-old twins in Minna, Niger State.

The boys, Umar and Anas, were allegedly taken from their home in the Brighter area of Minna on Sunday afternoon. Their father, a businessman named Danjuma, became worried when he could not find his children and realized that the security guard, Sani Abdulrahman, was also missing.

Mr Abdulrahman had told some family members he was taking the boys out on a motorcycle to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir while their father was away. But when the children did not return after several hours, family members began searching for them and checked hospitals, fearing a possible accident.

The search took a concerning turn when the family received information that kidnappers were holding the twins. Danjuma then got a call from suspected kidnappers who said they were in the Erena forest in Shiroro Local Government Area and demanded a ransom for the boys' release.

He pleaded with the state government, security agencies, and the public for help in getting his sons back. "I am appealing to the government and security agencies to help rescue my children. We are also calling on Nigerians to pray for their safe return," he said.

Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the incident to PREMIUMTIMES. He said initial investigations showed that the security guard took the children from their home under the false pretense of taking them out for Salah celebrations.

"The security man, Sani, pretended that he was taking the children out for Salah celebrations in town, but since then, they have not returned. Investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to locate the children," he said.

The police spokesperson mentioned that they are working to track down the suspect and rescue the children safely. This incident adds to a troubling pattern of kidnappings in Niger State, where security agencies are fighting against kidnapping and banditry, especially in areas near forests.