Zamfara police arrest 26-year-old woman for allegedly kidnapping niece, demanding ₦10m ransom
By Yusuf Gwandu
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old woman, Saadiya Sahabi, for allegedly kidnapping her three-year-old niece, Nabila Abdulganiyu, who was held in captivity for about two weeks before being rescued.
The suspect was arrested on November 10, 2026, at Bela District in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state following an intelligence-led investigation.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the incident was reported to detectives of the State Intelligence Department on October 30, 2026, by the victim’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, a resident of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
The complainant told the police that his daughter was abducted by an unknown person on October 28.
He further disclosed that he received a telephone call from a concealed number on October 29, during which the caller claimed to have the child in custody and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for her release.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP A.M. Bello, immediately directed the State Intelligence Department to launch a thorough investigation and ensure the safe rescue of the child.
It added that sustained intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with strategic partners led to the arrest of the suspect and the successful rescue of the victim.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was the younger sister of the victim’s father, sharing the same biological father but having different mothers.
The police said the suspect allegedly confessed to her involvement in the crime during interrogation.
The command noted that investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other possible accomplices.
The rescued child was taken for medical examination and, following the necessary assessment, reunited with her parents on November 12, 2026.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives of the State Intelligence Department for their professionalism and dedication, which led to the successful rescue of the child.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly vulnerable members of society, and ensuring that persons involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities are brought to justice.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
