The Katsina State Police Command has said it successfully cracked a kidnapping syndicate and rescued a four-year-old abducted victim in the process.

A statement by a spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, also said four members of the syndicate were arrested, while one round of AK-47 live ammunition was recovered.

“The fact of the case is, on the 20th of February, 2025, the command received a complaint letter written by one Alhaji Badamasi Bala, of Madaci Yan Nono quarters, Katsina, on the kidnapping of his daughters, ages 14 and 4, respectively.

“A ransom of fifty million naira (₦50,000,000) was demanded by the kidnappers to secure their release.

“Upon receipt of the letter, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, detailed the command’s anti-kidnapping unit to investigate. Promptly, a detailed investigation commenced.

“About four months from the date of the kidnapping, the eldest daughter surfaced. When questioned, she confessed to having conspired with three others to kidnap her four-year-old sister and faked her own kidnapping.

“Quickly, the remaining three members of the syndicate, ages 25, 19, and 16, respectively, were arrested, and the four-year-old kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. They all confessed to the commission of the offence.

“During the investigation, one live round of 7.62mm ammunition was recovered from their possession. Investigation is ongoing.”