The Gombe State Police Command has rescued an eight-year-old boy abducted in Akko Local Government Area of the state and arrested four suspects allegedly linked to the crime.
The victim was rescued unharmed during an intelligence-driven operation and has since been reunited with his family, while the suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the child’s father, Muhammadu Nabadara, reported the incident at the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 after his son left home at about 6:30 a.m. on June 27 and failed to return.
Abdullahi said detectives immediately commenced investigations and intensified efforts to locate the missing child.
He explained that on June 29, the family received a telephone call from an individual who claimed to know the boy’s whereabouts, but police investigations later established that the information was false.
The police spokesman said a breakthrough was recorded on June 30 when intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of the first suspect, Abdullahi Mohammed, a resident of Jauro Musa Quarters in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area.
During interrogation, Mohammed allegedly confessed to conspiring with three others identified as Mohammed Magaji, 35; Sale Sale, 23; and Walida Ya’u, 18, all residents of Kagarawal Quarters in Gombe, to abduct the child.
The statement added that the remaining suspects were subsequently arrested, while the victim was found in their custody and rescued without injury.
“The victim was successfully rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.
Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion,” the statement said.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Chuso, praised their professionalism, diligence and swift response.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts to combat crime.