The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued a three-year-old girl allegedly kidnapped by her paternal aunt, who reportedly demanded ₦10m from the child’s father for her release.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Saadiya Sahabi, was arrested on November 10 at Bela District in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state, following an intelligence-led investigation.
The victim, Nabila Abdulganiyu, was subsequently rescued after spending about two weeks in captivity and reunited with her parents on November 12.
The police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, revealing that the suspect was the younger sister of the victim’s father.
According to the police, the girl’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, a resident of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, reported her disappearance to detectives attached to the State Intelligence Department on October 30.
He told investigators that his daughter was allegedly abducted on October 28 by an unidentified person.
The father further reported receiving a telephone call from a concealed number on October 29, during which the caller claimed to have his daughter in captivity and demanded ₦10m as ransom for her release.
Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, directed operatives of the State Intelligence Department to investigate the incident and ensure the safe recovery of the child.
The command said sustained intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with security partners eventually led investigators to the suspect’s location in Bela District, where she was arrested alongside the rescued girl.
Preliminary investigations identified Saadiya as the victim’s paternal aunt, with both her and the child’s father sharing the same biological father but having different mothers.
The police further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed to her involvement in the abduction during interrogation.
The rescued child was taken for medical examination to assess her condition following her period in captivity before being formally reunited with her parents on November 12.
However, the command said investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals participated in the alleged crime.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, Commissioner Bello praised their professionalism and effective use of intelligence-led policing, which resulted in the child’s recovery.
The police boss reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly children and other vulnerable members of society, while ensuring that anyone found culpable of kidnapping is brought to justice.
The command also urged residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
