The Katsina State Police Command successfully rescued a 4-year-old girl, Aisha Aliyu, who was kidnapped from her home in Madaci Yan Nono quarters, Katsina. The operation, led by the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit, resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including three accomplices aged 25, 19, and 16, who confessed to their involvement in the crime. The police recovered one live round of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition during the operation, highlighting the potential threat posed by the suspects.
The kidnapping occurred on June 5, 2025, when Aisha was abducted from her family’s residence, prompting immediate action from the Katsina State Police Command under the directives of Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu. Through intelligence-driven strategies and coordinated efforts, the anti-kidnapping unit traced the victim to a location within Katsina, where she was found unharmed. The suspects, identified as Auwalu Ibrahim, 25, Nuhu Ibrahim, 19, and Musa Sabiu, 16, provided detailed confessions, revealing the involvement of Aisha’s 14-year-old sister, currently at large, who allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping to extort ransom from the family.
Investigations revealed that the 14-year-old suspect had planned the abduction, leveraging her knowledge of the family’s routine to facilitate the crime. The police are intensifying efforts to locate her, with search operations ongoing across Katsina and neighboring areas. The recovered ammunition suggests the group may have had access to firearms, raising concerns about their potential for further criminal activities if not apprehended swiftly.
The Katsina State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, with CP Bello Shehu emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in providing actionable intelligence. The rescued girl has been reunited with her family and is receiving medical and psychological support to ensure her well-being after the traumatic experience.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of the police’s intelligence-driven approach, which has been instrumental in addressing the rising cases of kidnapping in Katsina State. The Command has assured the public that the investigation will continue to uncover any additional accomplices or networks involved in the crime. The suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are complete, with the police working to ensure justice for the victim and her family.
The Katsina State Police Command’s swift response in this case reflects ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the region, which has been plagued by banditry and kidnapping in recent years. The recovery of the AK-47 ammunition points to the broader challenge of illegal arms circulation, a key factor fueling criminal activities in northern Nigeria. CP Shehu has called for increased collaboration between security agencies and local communities to disrupt such criminal networks and prevent future occurrences.
The involvement of a minor, particularly the victim’s sister, in the kidnapping has raised concerns about the exploitation of young individuals in criminal activities. Police are working with local authorities to address underlying factors, such as poverty and lack of education, that may contribute to such incidents. The case has also prompted discussions on strengthening family and community vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from being targeted or coerced into criminal schemes.
As the investigation progresses, the Katsina State Police Command has promised to provide updates on the apprehension of the remaining suspect and any further developments in the case. The successful rescue of Aisha Aliyu serves as a testament to the dedication of the police force in ensuring the safety of residents. However, the incident highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of crime and enhance security measures across the state.
