Katsina kidnapping gang bust leads to arrest of six suspects and recovery of N7.5m ransom after abduction of eight-year-old boy

The Katsina State Police Command has dismantled a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis and recovered ₦7.5 million suspected to be part of ransom paid by the victim’s family.

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Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday, noting that six suspects had been arrested while one member of the gang remains at large.

The Katsina kidnapping gang bust was carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage.

According to the statement, the victim was kidnapped on May 13, 2026, while returning from an Islamic school in Katsina metropolis. The suspects later demanded ₦50 million ransom before negotiations led to a payment of ₦17 million.

Following the report, police operatives launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of six members of the syndicate on May 23, 2026.

Those arrested include Nura Aliyu (39), identified as the alleged mastermind and neighbour to the victim’s family, alongside Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27) and Abdullahi Isma’il (30).

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and named an accomplice identified only as Abdul, who is currently on the run.

Police also recovered ₦7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom money, alongside a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle and other exhibits linked to the operation.

Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage commended the operatives for their swift response and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and curb kidnapping activities across the state.

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The Katsina kidnapping gang bust has been described by security authorities as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the region.