Man, 43, arrested for kidnapping minor in Yobe

The Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Police said its operatives have arrested a 43-year-old suspect over the alleged kidnapping of a minor in Damaturu after demanding N1.5 million from the victim’s parents.

The Command revealed this through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, in a statement issued on Friday.

“On October 14, 2024, at about 1415 hrs, Mallam Hassan reported to the State Intelligent Department (SID) that his son, Abdullahi Hassan, had gone missing after school hours on October 13, 2024, at 17:15 hrs.

“Despite efforts to locate him, his whereabouts remained unknown until the abductor demanded N1.5 million for his release via phone call”, the Command said.

According to the statement the detectives swiftly coordinated intelligence-led operations, tracing the victim to a secured room in the Kara area of Darazo, Bauchi State with the prime suspect, identified as Yusuf Ali, holding the victim hostage.

The Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Garba Ahmed, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating crime and praised the efforts of personnel in ensuring the successful rescue of the victim and arrest of the suspect.

The Commissioner, however, tasked parents to safeguard their children against criminal elements after school by educating them on basic safety protocols such as never to accept gifts or rides from strangers, among others.