Police arrest suspected kidnapper, rescue 10-year-old victim in Yobe

The Yobe police command says its operatives have arrested Yusuf Ali, a 43-year-old suspected kidnapper, in Damaturu, the state capital.

In a statement on Friday, Dungus Abdulkarim, the command spokesperson, said operatives also rescued a 10-year-old boy from the suspect.

“The Yobe State Police Command has successfully cracked down on a kidnapping syndicate, arresting the prime suspect, 43-year-old Yusuf Ali from 250 Housing Estate, Damaturu,” the statement reads.

“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. The prime suspect was apprehended while holding the victim hostage.”

Garba Ahmed, the police commissioner in Yobe, lauded the outstanding efforts of officers, who rescued the abducted boy and apprehended the perpetrator.