In a major victory for child safety, the Nigeria Police Force has thwarted a coordinated kidnap attempt in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children from the clutches of suspected human traffickers.
The Intelligence-Led Strike
The rescue operation, which took place on Monday, January 5, 2026, followed high-level credible intelligence received by the Kaduna State Police Command. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Wednesday that bandits had planned to ambush motorists conveying children through the area.
The rescue operation, which took place on Monday, January 5, 2026, followed high-level credible intelligence received by the Kaduna State Police Command. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Wednesday that bandits had planned to ambush motorists conveying children through the area.
Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Kasuwan Magani led a tactical team to the site, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle. The police successfully repelled the gang and secured 76 children—both boys and girls aged between 7 and 20 years—all of whom were found unharmed.
Trafficking Ring Exposed
During the operation, three suspects were apprehended: Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23).
During the operation, three suspects were apprehended: Jonathan John (25), Oliver Magaji (27), and Bitrus Sawaba (23).
Preliminary investigations revealed a darker motive behind the planned abduction. Rather than a traditional ransom kidnap, the suspects were allegedly part of a human trafficking syndicate conveying the children across the country for illegal child labor and forced domestic work.
Current Status
The rescued children are currently being sheltered at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna, where they are receiving care while the police await the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians. The three suspects remain in custody and will face charges in court once a full investigation into their wider network is completed.
The rescued children are currently being sheltered at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna, where they are receiving care while the police await the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians. The three suspects remain in custody and will face charges in court once a full investigation into their wider network is completed.
A Commitment to Safety
This successful operation comes on the heels of a similar breakthrough in Nasarawa State, where four children were recently rescued after a discreet intelligence-led mission. The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding lives and urged Nigerians to continue providing timely information to aid proactive policing in 2026.
This successful operation comes on the heels of a similar breakthrough in Nasarawa State, where four children were recently rescued after a discreet intelligence-led mission. The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding lives and urged Nigerians to continue providing timely information to aid proactive policing in 2026.