Katsina kidnapping arrests as police detain six suspects, including a neighbour, over abduction of an 8-year-old boy

Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six suspects, including a neighbour to the victim’s family, over the kidnapping of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.

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According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, the suspects were apprehended by the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit following an intelligence-led operation that led to the disruption of the criminal network.

The Katsina kidnapping arrests followed the abduction of the child on May 13, 2026, while he was returning from an Islamic school. The suspects allegedly contacted the family shortly after and demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for his release.

After negotiations, the family reportedly paid ₦17 million before the victim was freed.

Police said operatives launched a detailed investigation into the incident and, acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested six members of the syndicate on May 23, 2026.

The suspects have been identified as Nura Aliyu, 39, believed to be the mastermind and a neighbour to the victim’s family, alongside Abubakar Aminu, 37, Ibrahim Muhammad, 51, Iliyasu Sani, 51, Abubakar Muhammad, 27, and Abdullahi Isma’il, 30.

Authorities also confirmed that the suspects confessed to the crime and named another accomplice who is currently at large.

Recovered exhibits include a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle and ₦7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom proceeds.

The Command stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

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The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State praise0d the operatives for their swift response and reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crime across the state.