The Nigeria Police Force has stopped a planned attack and kidnapping in Kaduna State, rescuing 76 children in the Kasuwan Magani area.
The police confirmed that the operation followed credible intelligence received on January 5, 2026, that suspected criminals were planning to attack motorists transporting children through the area.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Kaduna State Police Command acted immediately on the information.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that the police team arrived early and confronted the suspects, successfully stopping the attack.
“On arrival, the police team engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of seventy-six children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven and twenty years. All the rescued children were unharmed,” he added.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested. They were identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23.
According to preliminary findings, the suspects were moving 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,” Hundeyin said.
He added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident and identify other people who may be involved.
The police spokesman said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Hundeyin also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to public safety.
“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,” he said.
The development comes days after the Nasarawa State Police Command rescued four abducted children during an intelligence-led operation following a report of their disappearance on December 31, 2025.
