The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 minors and arresting three suspects in a coordinated security operation.
According to police authorities, the operation was carried out on Monday, January 5, 2026, after credible intelligence was received regarding the movement and activities of suspected criminals within the area. The Kaduna State Police Command reportedly obtained the information at about 8:00 p.m., indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists conveying children through Kasuwan Magani, a busy transit route.
Acting promptly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of the Kasuwan Magani Division mobilised a team of officers to the location. On arrival, the police team engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attempted attack, preventing what could have resulted in mass abduction and possible loss of lives.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that 76 children were rescued during the operation. The rescued minors, comprising both males and females aged between seven and twenty years, were reported to be unharmed and in stable condition.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested and identified as Jonathan John, aged 25, Oliver Magaji, aged 27, and Bitrus Sawaba, aged 23. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the children to various parts of the country, where they were intended to be used for child labour and other forms of domestic work.
The police disclosed that the rescued children are currently being sheltered at the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters, where they are receiving care and protection. Efforts are ongoing to properly identify the children and reunite them with their parents or legal guardians.
Hundeyin added that the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the planned attack and trafficking operation.
He further stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance crime prevention and public safety.
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