The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two teenage boys for allegedly sexually assaulting minors in Tilden Fulani, Toro Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, aged 16 and 17, were apprehended following a complaint from a concerned parent, and investigations are ongoing.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Thursday. According to the statement, the case came to light on January 8, 2026, when the father of an eight-year-old boy reported that his son had been lured and sexually abused by 16-year-old Mohammed Saifullahi.
“On 8th January 2026 at about 9:30 pm, a concerned father reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Tilden Fulani, that his son, aged eight, was deceitfully lured with sweets and tiger nuts by Mohammed Saifullahi, who subsequently had homosexual intercourse with him on multiple occasions,” SP Habib said.
Upon receiving the report, a team of detectives was promptly dispatched to the scene. Saifullahi was arrested immediately, and the victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination and care. Preliminary investigations revealed that Saifullahi had been introduced to the act by another teenager, 17-year-old Shuaibu Sulaiman, who was also arrested by police.
During interrogation, Saifullahi reportedly admitted to the crime and named Sulaiman as an accomplice. Sulaiman, in turn, revealed that his first involvement in the act occurred while he was sharing a two-in-one bed with Saifullahi. Police investigations later discovered that Saifullahi had allegedly assaulted four other children, aged between seven and ten.
“The initial findings indicate that multiple minors, aged between seven and ten, were victimised by the suspects,” SP Habib added.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents, warning that anyone involved in sexual abuse of children would face the full weight of the law. He also urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and closely monitor the activities of their children.
“This is a serious crime. Anyone found engaging in such acts will be prosecuted according to the law. Parents and guardians must pay close attention to the welfare of their children,” CP Aliyu said.
Sexual abuse of minors is a significant problem in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and child protection organizations, thousands of cases are reported every year, though many incidents go unreported. Children are particularly vulnerable because they often cannot defend themselves, may fear speaking out, or may be unaware of the legal protections available to them.
The Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003, adopted by several Nigerian states, including Bauchi, provides legal protection for minors. The law criminalizes sexual abuse, exploitation, and neglect of children. Offenders can face imprisonment, fines, and other penalties. Enforcement of these laws, however, remains a challenge in some rural areas due to low awareness and limited reporting.
The Tilden Fulani community has expressed shock and concern over the incidents. Many residents described the acts as shocking and called on parents to monitor their children more closely. Some commended the police for acting quickly to arrest the suspects before further harm could occur.
A parent in the community said, “We are thankful to the police for taking immediate action. This is a wake-up call for all parents. We need to watch over our children and ensure they are safe at all times.”
Child welfare organizations have also urged community members to report any suspicious activities and to educate children on personal safety. They advise parents to teach children to speak out if they feel unsafe and reassure them that reporting such incidents is not wrong.
The Bauchi State Police Command emphasized that parents and guardians play a critical role in preventing sexual abuse. Timely reporting of suspicious or criminal activities allows law enforcement to respond quickly, as demonstrated in this case. The police said that rapid intervention helped prevent further abuse and ensured that victims received medical attention and support.
The Bauchi State Police Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing. The two suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of police investigations. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting offenders and ensuring that victims receive justice.
“The welfare and safety of our children are a top priority. We will ensure that those who commit these acts are brought to justice, and we will work with the community to prevent further incidents,” CP Aliyu said.
The police further stressed that all incidents of child abuse should be reported immediately. They warned that failure to report could allow perpetrators to continue harming other children. Parents and community members were also encouraged to engage children in discussions about personal safety and to educate them on avoiding unsafe situations.