By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The Police Command in Yobe says it has rescued a 10-year-old boy from a suspected kidnapper, Yusuf Ali, in the suburb of Darazo, Bauchi State.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s Spokesman in Yobe, made this known to journalists in Damaturu.
He said Ali, aged 43, was arrested on October 18 in the Kara area of the Darazo, where he held the victim hostage for days.
“ The Yobe Police Command has successfully cracked down on a kidnapping syndicate, arresting the prime suspect, 43-year-old Yusuf Ali, a resident of 250 Housing Estate, Damaturu.
“ On October 14, 2024, at about 1415 hrs, Mallam Hassan reported to the State Intelligent Department (SID) that his son, Abdullahi Hassan, had gone missing after school hours on October 13, 2024, at 17:15 hrs.
“ Despite efforts to locate him, his whereabouts remained unknown until the abductor demanded N1.5 million for his release via phone call.
“ Detectives swiftly coordinated intelligence-led operations, tracing the victim to a secured room in Kara Area, Darazo, Bauchi State,” Abdulkarim said.
The spokesman said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, had commended operatives of the command who rescued the boy and arrested the suspect.
He charged parents to ensure that their children were educated on basic safety protocols.
Abdulkarim said every child should avoid being in isolated areas and walking alone, adding that children must also shun gifts from strangers, and report suspected persons to security agents.
