The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 minors and arresting three suspects.
According to the Police, the incident occurred on January 5, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., when the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence that suspected bandits were planning to attack motorists conveying children through the area.
Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kasuwan Magani Division promptly mobilised a team of police personnel to the location. On arrival, the operatives engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attempted attack.
The operation led to the rescue of seventy-six children, made up of both males and females, aged between seven and twenty years. The Police confirmed that all the rescued children were unharmed.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested and identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting the children to different parts of the country for the purpose of child labour 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.
Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to apprehend other possible collaborators. The Police said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to support proactive policing.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, and dated January 7, 2026.
