The Nigeria Police Force has foiled a planned attack and attempted kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 minors and arresting three suspects.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, the Kaduna State Police Command received credible intelligence at about 8:00 p.m. on January 5, 2026, that suspected bandits were planning to attack and abduct motorists conveying children through the area.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the location,” Hundeyin said.
He added that on arrival, the police team engaged the suspects and successfully repelled the attack, leading to the rescue of 76 children—both male and female—aged between seven and 20 years. 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, according to the police, revealed that the suspects were allegedly transporting 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,” the statement said.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to apprehend other possible collaborators. The suspects will 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 providing timely and credible information to support proactive policing efforts nationwide.
