Police rescue six-year-old child, arrest suspect in Borno

The Borno State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, has rescued a six-year-old boy kidnapped in Maiduguri and arrested the suspect allegedly responsible for the crime.

The command said the incident occurred last Sunday in the Mafoni community of Maiduguri metropolis.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed that the command received a report on June 7, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., concerning the disappearance of one Alkali Musa, a six-year-old boy from the Mafoni area, who had gone out to play on June 6 but failed to return home.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after the child’s disappearance, the suspect contacted the parents and demanded a ransom of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000) for the child’s release,” Daso stated.

He further explained that upon receiving the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Lamisula Division swiftly mobilised a team of detectives and launched an intelligence-led operation.

According to him, the operation yielded positive results as the suspect, identified as Ali Alhaji Ali, was arrested and the victim rescued unharmed.

Daso added that the suspect has confessed to the crime, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism, while reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The command also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children, while encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.