By Our Correspondent

National News – The Katsina State Police Command has dismantled a seven-man kidnapping syndicate accused of abducting an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis and recovered ₦7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the newly created Violent Crime Response Unit under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage.

According to the police, the boy was kidnapped on May 13, 2026, while returning home from an Islamic school in Katsina State.

The kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded ₦50 million for the child’s release.

After negotiations, the family reportedly paid ₦17 million before the victim regained freedom.

Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq disclosed that security operatives launched an investigation immediately after receiving the complaint.

Acting on intelligence, officers tracked down and arrested six members of the gang on May 23, 2026, while another suspect identified as Abdul remains on the run.

The suspects arrested include Nura Aliyu, believed to be the mastermind and a neighbour to the victim’s family, alongside Abubakar Aminu, Ibrahim Muhammad, Iliyasu Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, and Abdullahi Isma’il.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction and revealed details about the operation.

Police also recovered a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle, and ₦7.5 million suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect.

Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage praised the officers involved in the operation and reassured residents that the command remains committed to combating kidnapping, violent crimes, and insecurity across Katsina State.