The Gombe State Police Command has rescued an eight-year-old boy who was kidnapped in Akko Local Government Area and taken four suspects into custody over the alleged abduction.
The Punch reported that the command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, announced the development in a statement released on Thursday in Gombe.
According to the statement, the child’s father, Muhammadu Nabadara, reported the case to the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 after his son left home at about 6:30 a.m. on June 27 and did not return.
Following the report, detectives immediately began investigations and stepped up efforts to locate the missing boy.
The police said the family received a phone call on June 29 from an individual claiming to know the child’s whereabouts. However, after verification by investigators, the information was found to be false.
The statement noted that intelligence-driven operations eventually produced a breakthrough on June 30 when officers arrested the first suspect, Abdullahi Mohammed, from Jauro Musa Quarters in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area.
“During interview, the said Abdullahi Mohammed confessed to have conspired with Mohammed Magaji, 35; Sale Sale, 23 and Walida Ya’u, 18, all of Kagarawal Quarters, Gombe, to abduct the victim,” the statement said.
Police operatives subsequently tracked down and arrested the remaining three suspects, who were allegedly keeping the child in their custody.
“The victim was successfully rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family. However, investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion,” the statement added.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, praised their professionalism and swift intervention.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the professionalism, diligence and swift response of the operatives involved in the rescue operation. He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies,” the statement added.
The latest rescue comes days after the Ondo State Police Command freed a 61-year-old woman, Modupe Oladele, who had been abducted by armed men in Owo, Owo Local Government Area.
Police said the operation was executed through the prompt action of operatives led by the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.
