Child rescued after two weeks in captivity as police say suspect is the victim’s paternal aunt
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old woman for allegedly kidnapping her three-year-old niece and demanding a ₦10 million ransom for her release.
The child, who was reportedly held captive for about two weeks, was rescued by police operatives following an intelligence-led investigation.
The suspect was arrested on November 10, 2026, in Bela District, Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, the incident was reported to detectives of the State Intelligence Department on October 30 by the victim’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, a resident of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Sahabi reportedly told the police that his daughter was abducted by an unidentified person on October 28.
He added that he received a telephone call from a concealed number the following day, during which the caller claimed to have the child in custody and demanded ₦10 million for her release.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Bello, subsequently directed the State Intelligence Department to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the child’s safe rescue.
Police said sustained intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with strategic partners led to the arrest of the suspect and the successful rescue of the child.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect was the younger sister of the victim’s father. Both were said to share the same biological father but have different mothers.
The command added that the suspect allegedly confessed to her involvement in the crime during interrogation.
It said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other possible accomplices.
The rescued child was taken for medical examination before being reunited with her parents on November 12, 2026, after the necessary assessment.
The Commissioner of Police commended operatives of the State Intelligence Department for their professionalism and dedication, which led to the child’s rescue.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly vulnerable members of society, and ensuring that suspects involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities were brought to justice.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.