The Gombe State Police Command has rescued an eight-year-old boy who was abducted in Akko Local Government Area of the state and arrested four suspects allegedly involved in the crime.
The victim was rescued unharmed during an intelligence-led operation and has since been reunited with his family, while the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of police investigations.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the operation as a major success in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
According to the statement, the child’s father, Muhammadu Nabadara, reported the incident at the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 after his son left home at about 6:30 a.m. on June 27 and failed to return.
The disappearance immediately raised concern among family members and residents of the community, prompting the police to begin a search for the missing child.
Abdullahi said detectives attached to the division quickly launched an investigation, gathered intelligence and intensified efforts to trace the boy and identify those behind the abduction.
As part of the investigation, the police monitored available leads while working closely with members of the community and the victim’s family.
The command said an unexpected development occurred on June 29 when the family received a telephone call from a person who claimed to know where the child was being held.
However, after carrying out verification, detectives discovered that the information supplied by the caller was false and did not lead to the victim’s location.
Rather than slowing down the investigation, the false lead prompted the police to widen their intelligence-gathering efforts.
According to the police, the breakthrough came the following day, June 30, when intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the first suspect, identified as Abdullahi Mohammed of Jauro Musa Quarters in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area.
Police said the suspect was taken into custody and questioned by investigators.
During interrogation, Abdullahi Mohammed allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction and named three other suspects who were said to have taken part in the crime.
According to the statement, the suspect told investigators that he conspired with Mohammed Magaji, 35, Sale Sale, 23, and Walida Ya’u, 18, all residents of Kagarawal Quarters in Gombe, to abduct the child.
Acting on the information obtained during the interrogation, detectives swiftly moved to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The police said all three were successfully arrested during follow-up operations.
The officers also located the abducted boy in the custody of the suspects and rescued him without injury.
“The victim was successfully rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion,” the police statement said.
The successful rescue brought relief to the child’s family after several days of uncertainty and anxiety.
Kidnapping has become one of the major security challenges confronting many parts of Nigeria in recent years, with victims ranging from schoolchildren and travellers to community leaders and ordinary citizens.
Although Gombe State has generally recorded fewer kidnapping cases compared to some neighbouring states in the North-East and North-West, security agencies have continued to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent criminal activities.
Police authorities have repeatedly stressed that timely reporting of suspicious movements and close cooperation between residents and security agencies are essential in tackling kidnapping and other organised crimes.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Chuso, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, diligence and swift response.
He said the successful rescue reflected the command’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice.
According to him, the operation also demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven policing in combating crime.
The commissioner assured residents that the police would continue to deploy all lawful means to protect communities across the state and respond promptly to reports of criminal activities.
He urged members of the public not to hesitate to report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
Chuso also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information that could assist law enforcement agencies in preventing crime.
He noted that security is a shared responsibility and that public cooperation remains vital in achieving lasting peace and safety.
The command reiterated that investigations into the case are still ongoing and that the suspects would be prosecuted after the process is completed.
Meanwhile, community leaders have welcomed the successful rescue of the child and praised the police for acting quickly before any harm came to the victim.
Residents also expressed hope that the arrest of the suspects would serve as a warning to others involved in criminal activities.
The latest operation adds to a series of intelligence-led successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force in different parts of the country, where security agencies have intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
Authorities have continued to encourage citizens to report suspicious activities promptly, saying early information often plays a crucial role in preventing crimes and rescuing victims.