The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and the planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 minors and arresting three suspects.
According to the police, the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence at about 8:00 p.m. on January 5, 2026, indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists and kidnap children being conveyed through the area.
Acting on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kasuwan Magani Division swiftly mobilised a team of police personnel to the location. On arrival, the police team engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attack.
As a result of the operation, 76 children—both male and female—aged between seven and 20 years were rescued unharmed.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. They were identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to different 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 Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.
Police authorities said investigations have commenced to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to arrest other possible collaborators. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance proactive policing.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, on January 7, 2026.
