The Sokoto State Police Command on August 13, 2026, said detectives had rescued 10-year-old Muhammad Sufiyanu in Gidan Madi, Tangaza Local Government Area, and arrested suspected kidnapper Abdullahi Buba, popularly known as “Osho”, in a separate operation at Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area.
The two operations, carried out on August 8 and August 11, respectively, formed part of the command’s wider intelligence-led response to kidnapping and other violent crime across Sokoto State, according to the police.
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In the first operation, officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit raided a suspected criminal hideout at Tudun Doki Village at about 2pm on August 8 and arrested Buba, whom police described as a notorious suspected kidnapper.
Preliminary questioning, according to the command, indicated that Buba was allegedly an important member of a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping and the collection of illegal levies from residents in Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada local government areas.
Police said Buba was providing information that could assist investigators in locating other suspected members of the syndicate who remain at large.
The second operation produced a more immediate outcome when detectives in Tangaza recovered a missing child alive after an urgent search launched following a family report.
Sani Ibrahim of Gidan Madi Town reported to the Gidan Madi Police Division at about 8pm on August 11 that his nephew, Muhammad Sufiyanu, had disappeared earlier that day.
Detectives began searching the area with Ibrahim. At about 11pm, officers encountered two people travelling on a motorcycle with a suspiciously concealed sack.
The two individuals reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and fled when challenged by the detectives.
A search of the sack revealed Sufiyanu inside. Police said the boy was alive and responsive when officers found him.
Sufiyanu was taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital for medical attention and was later discharged.
During preliminary investigation, the child reportedly told detectives that one of the suspects had lured him into a room, administered a sedative by injection and placed him inside the sack.
Police said one suspect had been arrested and had allegedly confessed to involvement in the abduction.
Crime Scene Investigators have also visited locations connected to the case as detectives work to establish what happened and identify any other people involved.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged use of a sedative remain subject to police investigation, and the allegations against the arrested suspect have yet to be tested in court.
The rescue adds to a series of recent operations in which the Sokoto command has focused on intelligence gathering, rapid intervention and cooperation with local communities.
Commissioner of Police Hayatu Hassan Shaffa has repeatedly emphasised the role of timely information in disrupting criminal activity.
In July, Shaffa said coordinated operations across several local government areas had resulted in the rescue of kidnapping victims, the arrest of suspected criminals and the recovery of 689 rustled domestic animals.
The command has also maintained a visible presence in areas affected by banditry and other criminal activity.
In May, Shaffa toured the Gidan Madi, Gudu, Binji and Wamakko police divisions, describing the visits as part of efforts to strengthen community policing and operational readiness in frontline areas.
The Gidan Madi area has previously featured in police operations against suspected criminal networks.
In July, police reported intercepting suspected members of the Lakurawa group and recovering criminally obtained livestock during operations in and around Tangaza and neighbouring areas.
Against that backdrop, the latest cases underline the complex security pressures facing communities across parts of Sokoto, where kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling have continued to overlap.
For Sufiyanu’s family, however, the most significant development was the swift recovery of the child after only a few hours of searching.
The police said the case demonstrated the value of prompt reporting and rapid coordination between residents and investigators.
Shaffa praised the officers involved, commending their courage, vigilance and professionalism.
The commissioner also warned criminal elements that the command would continue to pursue them and urged residents to provide credible information that could help prevent attacks and secure arrests.
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The police said investigations into both cases remain ongoing, with efforts continuing to locate other suspected members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate and establish the full circumstances surrounding Sufiyanu’s abduction.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
