The Bauchi state police command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping in the state, following the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two abducted victims in Alkaleri LGA.
The Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by Nafiu Habib, its spokesperson noting that the operation was carried out after swift intelligence-led action by security operatives.
According to the police, the incident occurred on June 2, 2026, when armed men invaded a residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet, Pali District, and abducted a 40-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son.
Following the report of the attack, security operatives immediately launched a coordinated search and rescue operation aimed at tracking down the suspects and securing the victims’ release.
Habib explained that operatives from the Pali Outstation first visited the scene and began gathering intelligence that led to the identification of the attackers.
Acting on credible information, a joint team comprising police officers, soldiers, and local vigilantes arrested three suspects in Kuka Village, Duguri District, on the same day.
The suspects were identified as Mainasara Umaru (23), Buba Umaru (20), and Muhammadu Usman (19). Police said the arrests were made after operatives traced them to their residence.
Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of two additional suspects on June 3, following a confession from one of the arrested individuals, which revealed the location of the kidnapped victims and others involved.
The confession enabled security operatives to widen their operation, resulting in the arrest of another suspect, Ahmadu Umaru, in Dalgade.
The police confirmed that the kidnapped woman and her son were later rescued unharmed during a follow-up operation.
They were taken to the General Hospital in Alkaleri for medical examination and treatment after their rescue.
All five suspects are currently in police custody and have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further discreet investigation, according to the Command.
Authorities also said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the kidnapping network and recover weapons used during the operation.
The police reiterated their commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Bauchi State.
