Shock In Zamfara As Woman Allegedly Kidnaps Brother’s Daughter, Holds Her For Two Weeks

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old woman, identified as Saadiya Sahabi, for allegedly kidnapping her three-year-old niece and demanding a ransom of N10 million from the child’s parents.

The suspect reportedly kept the little girl, identified as Nabila Abdulganiyu, in captivity for about two weeks before police operatives rescued her and reunited her with her family.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, November 13, 2026, confirming that the child had been safely rescued.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect is the younger sister of the victim’s father, although they have different mothers. Her arrest followed an intelligence-led investigation into the child’s disappearance.

Abubakar explained that the victim’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, a resident of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, reported the incident to detectives attached to the State Intelligence Department on October 30, 2026.

The father told investigators that his daughter had been abducted on October 28. He also alleged that he received a telephone call from a concealed number on October 29, during which the caller claimed to be holding the child and demanded N10 million for her release.

Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP A.M. Bello, directed the State Intelligence Department to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safe recovery of the girl.

The police said sustained intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with strategic partners eventually led operatives to the suspect, who was arrested on November 10 at Bela District in Bungudu Local Government Area.

During interrogation, Saadiya allegedly confessed to her involvement in the crime, according to the police statement.

The command added that investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify other individuals who may have participated in the crime.

The rescued child was taken for medical examination before being formally reunited with her parents on November 12, 2026.

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives involved in the operation, describing their efforts as an example of effective intelligence-led policing. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly vulnerable members of society, and ensuring that anyone found culpable of kidnapping is brought to justice.

The police further urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, the suspect remains under investigation as authorities work to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged kidnapping.