Police arrest two kidnappers, rescue 14yr old boy in Kebbi

By Obasola Olatunde 

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a 14 year old boy.

The boy was abducted from his home in Ka’oje, Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects Aliyu Alhaji Shehu (25), also known as Altine, and Abubakar Umar, alias Bube, both from Orda village were captured during a joint security operation that followed a fierce gun duel in Sada forest, the police said.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the operation was launched after a gang of five armed men invaded the home of one Alhaji Buda Sambo on October 18 and kidnapped his teenage son, Aliyu Alhaji Buda.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Ka’oje mobilised a combined team of officers and local vigilantes who pursued the kidnappers into Sada forest and engaged them in a gun battle.”

"The hoodlums fled with suspected gunshot wounds, leaving behind the kidnapped boy, who was rescued unhurt," Abubakar said.

A locally made revolver pistol and one live ammunition were recovered during a subsequent search of the suspects’ homes.

Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspects and their fleeing accomplices identified as Dogo, Magaji, Bande, and Janyo were also behind the recent abduction of a 70 year old man, Alhaji Alti, on October 28.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, praised the Ka’oje DPO and his team for their swift response and professionalism, urging continued collaboration with local vigilante groups to sustain the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes.

He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for deeper investigation and to ensure the arrest of the remaining gang members.

The Command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in curbing criminal activities across the state.