Sh*ck In Katsina As Police Smash Abduction Ring, Retrieve Huge Ransom Money

The arrest was carried out during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation by the command’s newly established Violent Crime Response Unit.

Police also recovered ₦7.5 million, believed to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family, alongside a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle, and other exhibits.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the victim was abducted on May 13, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. while returning home from an Islamic school.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦50 million for his release, but after negotiations, the family paid ₦17 million before the child was freed.

Following the report, police launched an investigation and, through intelligence gathering, tracked and arrested six suspects on Friday.

Those arrested include Nura Aliyu (39), Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27), and Abdullahi Isma’il (30).

The police identified Nura Aliyu as the alleged ringleader of the operation and a neighbour of the victim’s family.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and mentioned another accomplice, identified only as Abdul, who remains at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all individuals connected to the crime to justice.

The command confirmed that items recovered include the Peugeot 307, Boxer motorcycle, and ₦7.5 million suspected to be proceeds of the ransom payment.

Reacting to the development, Katsina State Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage praised the operatives for their swift and professional conduct.

He said the success reflects the command’s renewed determination to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the state.

Fage also assured residents of improved intelligence-led policing and urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and useful information.