The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 victims during a swift security operation.
According to the police, the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence around 8:00 p.m. on January 5, 2026, indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists transporting children through the area with the intention of abducting them.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kasuwan Magani Division immediately mobilised operatives to the location upon receiving the intelligence.
“On arrival, the police team engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attack,” the statement said, adding that 76 children—both male and female, aged between seven and 20 years—were rescued unharmed.
The police also arrested three suspects identified as Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to different parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work. The suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being accommodated at the Command Headquarters pending identification and reunification with their parents or guardians.
The police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other collaborators involved in the crime. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support proactive policing nationwide.
Linus Aleke, Abuja
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