Crime
Kaduna Police Foil Night Attack, Rescue 76 Children From Suspected Traffickers, Arrest Three
Three suspects were arrested at the scene and identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23, all male.
Abuja, Nigeria– Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have foiled an attempted attack and alleged child-trafficking operation in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children and arresting three suspects.
Police sources disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence received on January 5, 2026, indicating that suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the troubled area.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kasuwan Magani Division mobilised a team of armed personnel to the location. On arrival at about 8:00pm, the police team engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the planned attack.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said during the operation, 76 children—both male and female, aged between seven and 20 years—were rescued unharmed.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene and identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23, all male.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the children to different parts of the country for child labour and other forms of domestic servitude, raising fresh concerns about the persistence of child trafficking networks in northern Nigeria.
The rescued children have since been taken to the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters, where they are being kept in safe custody pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations have been expanded to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the operation and to identify other collaborators who may be involved in the trafficking ring.
Police authorities said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support proactive policing efforts across the country.
