Police Rescue 10-Year-Old Boy Found Inside Sack in Sokoto, Two Suspects Arrested
The Sokoto State Police Command has rescued a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted and found concealed inside a sack during an operation in Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.
The rescue was part of separate intelligence-led operations that also resulted in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, according to the police.
The operations, carried out in different parts of Sokoto, are part of the command’s ongoing efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks and other violent criminal activities across the state.
Police arrest suspected kidnapper in Gwadabawa
In one of the operations, officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area, on August 8, 2026.
The operation, which took place at about 2pm, led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper identified as Abdullahi Buba, popularly known as “Osho.”
Police authorities said preliminary investigations indicated that Buba was allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping and the collection of illegal levies from residents.
The syndicate was reportedly active in parts of Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada local government areas.
According to the police, the suspect has been providing information that could assist investigators in locating and arresting other members of the alleged criminal network who remain at large.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the group.
10-year-old boy rescued from sack
In a separate operation in Tangaza LGA, detectives attached to the Gidan Madi Police Division rescued a 10-year-old boy identified as Muhammad Sufiyanu.
The incident reportedly began on August 11 when Sani Ibrahim of Gidan Madi Town informed the police that his 10-year-old nephew had gone missing.
The report was made at the Gidan Madi Police Station at about 8pm.
Following the complaint, detectives launched a search operation with the boy’s relative and intensified surveillance around the area.
At approximately 11pm, the officers intercepted two individuals travelling on a motorcycle while carrying a suspiciously concealed sack.
The suspects reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and fled after being challenged by the detectives.
When officers searched the abandoned sack, they made a shocking discovery — the missing 10-year-old boy was inside.
The child was reportedly alive and responsive and was immediately taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital for medical attention. He was later discharged.
Police arrest suspect over alleged abduction
During preliminary investigations, the rescued boy reportedly told investigators that one of the suspects had lured him into a room before allegedly injecting him with a sedative.
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The suspect allegedly forced the boy into the sack and attempted to transport him away.
Police said one of the suspects has since been arrested in connection with the incident and reportedly confessed to involvement in the alleged abduction.
Crime Scene Investigators have also examined locations connected to the incident as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted kidnapping.
Sokoto police issue warning to criminals
The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers and detectives involved in the operations.
Shaffa praised their vigilance, courage and professional response, particularly in rescuing the abducted child.
He assured residents that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing and other strategies to protect lives and property across the state.
The commissioner also warned criminal elements that the police would continue pursuing them wherever they hide.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in identifying, tracking and arresting criminal suspects.
The police said investigations into both incidents are ongoing and further updates would be provided as new developments emerge.
