Police Rescue Kidnapped 6-Year-Old Boy, Arrest Suspect in Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command has rescued a six-year-old boy who was allegedly kidnapped in Maiduguri and arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for the abduction after a swift intelligence-led operation.

The victim, identified as Alkali Musa, was rescued unharmed following coordinated efforts by detectives attached to the Lamisula Division of the Command.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the child, who resides in the Mafoni area of Maiduguri, went missing on June 6, 2026, after leaving home to play.

The disappearance immediately triggered anxiety among family members who launched a search for the boy before reporting the matter to the police.

Preliminary investigations revealed that shortly after the child vanished, an individual contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦200,000 in exchange for the boy's release.

The report was formally lodged with the police on June 7, prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Lamisula Division to mobilise a team of detectives to track down the suspect and rescue the victim.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, police operatives launched a targeted operation that led to the arrest of Ali Alhaji Ali, the prime suspect in the case.

The operation also resulted in the successful rescue of the child, who was found unharmed and safely reunited with his family.

Police authorities disclosed that the suspect has confessed to his involvement in the crime during interrogation.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, praised the professionalism and prompt response of the detectives, describing the rescue as another demonstration of the Command's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He reassured residents that the Command remains resolute in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

The Commissioner also advised parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the whereabouts of their children, stressing that community vigilance remains critical in preventing crimes against minors.

The successful rescue comes amid sustained efforts by security agencies in Borno State to tackle criminal activities and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement operations.