The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack and rescued 76 children from an alleged child trafficking operation in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident occurred on January 5, 2026, following credible intelligence that suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the area.
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“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kasuwan Magani Division was immediately mobilised alongside a team of police personnel to the location,” Hundeyin said in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
He explained that the police team engaged the suspects on arrival and successfully repelled the attackers, leading to the rescue of 76 children.
“The rescued children, comprising both males and females aged between seven and 20 years, were all unharmed,” he said.
Hundeyin disclosed that three suspects were arrested during the operation.
They were identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to different parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that the suspects are currently in police custody, while the rescued children are being kept safely at the Kaduna State Police Command headquarters pending the identification and arrival of their parents or guardians.
“Investigations have commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to arrest other possible collaborators involved in the crime,” Hundeyin said, noting that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police spokesperson reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives and property, urging members of the public to support the police with timely and credible information to aid proactive policing.
