The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old woman for allegedly abducting her three-year-old niece and demanding a N10m ransom from the child’s father.
The suspect, identified as Saadiya Sahabi, was arrested on November 10 at Bela District in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state, while the abducted child, Nabila Abdulganiyu, was rescued.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the police, the victim’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, reported the incident to detectives attached to the State Intelligence Department on October 30, two days after the alleged abduction.
The father reportedly told investigators that he received a telephone call from a concealed number on October 29, with the caller claiming to have his daughter in custody and demanding N10m for her release.
Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, directed the State Intelligence Department to launch an investigation and ensure the safe recovery of the child.
The command said operatives subsequently deployed intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with strategic partners to track down those responsible.
The statement read, “Following days of sustained intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with strategic partners, the operatives successfully traced and arrested the suspect on 10th November 2026 at Bela District, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victim was also rescued safely.”
The police identified the suspect as the child’s paternal aunt, explaining that she and the victim’s father share the same biological father but have different mothers.
The command further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed to her involvement in the crime during interrogation.
It added that investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals participated in the alleged abduction.
The rescued child was subsequently taken for medical examination before being reunited with her parents on November 12, the police said.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, Bello attributed the successful rescue to their professionalism, dedication and effective application of intelligence-led policing.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly vulnerable members of society, and ensuring that individuals found culpable of kidnapping and other criminal activities face justice.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
