Police rescue 76 children, arrest three over planned attack in Kaduna

The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of dozens of children in Kaduna State, rescued 76 minors and arrested three suspects in a swift intelligence-led operation.

The incident occurred on January 5, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m. in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, following credible intelligence received by the Kaduna State Police Command that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists conveying children through the area.

Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Kasuwan Magani Division immediately mobilised a team of police operatives to the location to forestall the planned attack.

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According to a statement by Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police on Wednesday, upon arrival, the police team encountered the suspects and engaged them, successfully repelling the attempted attack and preventing the kidnapping plot.

The statement noted that as a result of the operation, a total of 76 children, both male and female were rescued unharmed. The children, aged between seven and 20 years, were found to be in transit at the time of the police intervention.

“Three suspects were arrested at the scene. They were identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23, all males.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly conveying the children to different parts of the country for the purpose of child labour and other forms of domestic work.

“The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children have been taken to the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters for safekeeping”, the Police said.

According to the police, arrangements are being made to ensure the proper identification of the children and the reunion with their parents or guardians.

Meanwhile, the police have commenced a full investigation into the incident to uncover the broader circumstances surrounding the attempted attack and child trafficking operation, as well as to identify and arrest other possible collaborators.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations”, the statement noted.

The Force reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property across the country and called on members of the public to continue to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information to aid proactive policing.

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