The Nigeria Police Force has foiled a planned attack and kidnapping attempt in Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children and arrested three suspects.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command acted on credible intelligence received on January 5, 2026, indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists conveying children through the area.
He said the Divisional Police Officer of Kasuwan Magani Division immediately mobilised a team of officers to the location, where they engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the safe rescue of the children.
The rescued children, comprising males and females aged between seven and 20 years, were unharmed. Three suspects Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23 were arrested during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the children to various parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work. The suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Command Headquarters pending identification and reunion with their parents or guardians.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to arrest other possible collaborators. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to support proactive policing efforts.
