The Katsina State Police Command has said it busted a seven-man kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction of an eight-year old boy in the metropolitan area about 12 days ago.

A statement by a spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, also said the sum of N7.5 million among other items, were recoverd during the operation.

Aliyu said six of the seven-man gang were apprehended, including a neighbour to the family of the abducted boy, and that one other suspect was currently on the run.

He said the apprehended suspects have since confessed to commiting the crime, and that manhunt for the seventh suspect was ongoing by the police.

According to him, “Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Ali Umar Fage, have successfully busted a 7-man kidnapping syndicate responsible for the kidnapping of an 8-year-old boy in Katsina Metropolis.

“On 13th May, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., the victim (name withheld) was kidnapped while returning from an Islamic school. Later, the following day, the suspects contacted the family and demanded ₦50,000,000 ransom. Following negotiations, ₦17,000,000 was paid to secure the release of the victim.

“Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the command swung into action. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked and arrested 6 members of the syndicate today, May 23rd, 2026.

“Those arrested are: Nura Aliyu, age 39, identified as the mastermind and a neighbor to the victim’s family; Abubakar Aminu, age 37; Ibrahim Muhammad, age 51; Iliyasu Sani, age 51; Abubakar Muhammad, age 27; and Abdullahi Isma’il, age 30.

“While interrogating the suspects, they confessed to the commission of the offense and mentioned one Abdul, currently at large, as their accomplice. A manhunt is ongoing for the fleeing suspect.

“During the investigation, 1 Peugeot 307, 1 Boxer motorcycle, and a cash sum of ₦7,500,000, being part of the ransom money, were recovered from the suspects as exhibits, among others.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for the swift operation and assured the public of the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.”

Aliyu added that “The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.”