Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command don successfully bust a seven-man kidnapping syndicate suspected to be behind the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis.The operation, which was coordinated under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ali Fage, also led to the recovery of ₦7.

5 million believed to be part of ransom money paid by the victim’s family, alongside other exhibits such as a Peugeot 307 vehicle and a Boxer motorcycle allegedly used during the criminal activities.According to police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq, the victim was kidnapped on May 13, 2026, around 6:00 p.m.while returning from Islamic school.The kidnappers later contacted the family the next day and initially demanded ₦50 million ransom.After negotiations, the family reportedly paid ₦17 million before the child was eventually released.

Following the report, operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) quickly launched investigation and tracked down six suspects on Friday, May 23, 2026.

Those arrested include Nura Aliyu, identified as the alleged mastermind and a neighbour to the victim’s family, alongside Abubakar Aminu, Ibrahim Muhammad, Iliyasu Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, and Abdullahi Isma’il.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed and also named another accomplice simply known as Abdul, who is currently at large, with police declaring him wanted.The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Police authorities commended the swift and intelligence-driven operation and reaffirmed commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Katsina State.The suspects are expected to be charged to court after investigation is concluded.