The Nigeria Police Force foiled an attempted attack and a planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children and arresting three suspects.
Police foil attempted attack in Kaduna
According to the Force Police Public Relations Officer, on January 5, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence that suspected bandits were planning an attempted attack on motorists conveying children through Kasuwan Magani, with the intention to kidnap them.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Kasuwan Magani Division, mobilised a team of police personnel to the area. On arrival, the operatives engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attempted attack, preventing the execution of the criminal plan.
76 children rescued, three suspects
Following the foiled attempted attack, the police rescued 76 children, made up of both males and females aged between seven and 20 years. The Police confirmed that all the rescued children were unharmed.
In the course of the operation, three suspects identified as Jonathan John (male, 25 years), Oliver Magaji (male, 27 years), and Bitrus Sawaba (male, 23 years) were arrested.
The arrests were made at the scene as the police dismantled the attempted attack and secured the victims.
Investigation ongoing, suspects to face court
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly conveying the children to different parts of the country for 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 determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted attack and to arrest other possible collaborators.
The Police stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated 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.
