The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has foiled an attempted attack and planned kidnapping of children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State, rescuing 76 minors and arresting three suspects.
According to the police, the operation was carried out on Monday, January 5, 2026, following credible intelligence about the movement of suspected bandits in the area.
A statement issued on Wednesday morning by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Kaduna State Police Command received information at about 8:00 p.m. that suspected criminals were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through Kasuwan Magani.
Upon receiving the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Kasuwan Magani Division was immediately mobilised alongside a team of officers to the area.
Hundeyin said the police team arrived at the scene and engaged the suspects, successfully repelling the attempted attack.
“As a result of the operation, seventy-six children, comprising both males and females aged between seven and twenty years, were rescued unharmed,” the statement read.
During the operation, three suspects were arrested and identified as Jonathan John, 25; Oliver Magaji, 27; and Bitrus Sawaba, 23.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly conveying the children to various parts of the country for child labour and other domestic work.
The police said the rescued children are currently being kept safely at the Command Headquarters, pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.
The suspects are presently in police custody.
Hundeyin added that investigations had commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to track down other possible collaborators.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support proactive policing.