The Nigeria Police Force has successfully prevented an attempted attack and planned kidnapping in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children unharmed.
In a statement on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the Kaduna State Police Command received reliable intelligence on January 5, 2026, indicating that suspected bandits were planning to target motorists transporting children through the area.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area.
“On arrival, the police team engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of seventy-six (76) children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven (7) and twenty (20) years. All the rescued children were unharmed.”
During the operation, three individuals Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23 were apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were transporting the children to different parts of the country for child labor and other domestic work.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Command Headquarters pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.”
The command said investigations have begun to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to identify any other possible collaborators. The suspects will be charged in court once the investigations are completed.
The Nigeria Police Force also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to assist proactive policing.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.”