According to Abiodun, the suspect was part of the gang that invaded a settlement at Dagwi village in 2023 and kidnapped the minor.
A suspected kidnapper, Mohammed Rabiu has been arrested by the Niger State Police Command.
The kidnapper who allegedly abducted a 10-year-old boy was apprehended after the victim's father sighted him in Barkin-Sale area of Minna and raised alarm.
This was revealed by spokesperson of the command, Wasiu Abiodun in a statement on Monday, August 11, 2025.
According to Abiodun, the suspect was part of the gang that invaded a settlement at Dagwi village in 2023 and kidnapped the minor.
The abductors later released the boy after collecting N300,000 ransom, carton of energy drinks and other items from his family.
“On 2nd August, 2025 at about 9am, based on a direct complaint at Kpakungu Div, Police operatives attached to the Div arrested a suspected kidnapper, one Mohammed Rabiu of Lambata, Gurara LGA at Barkin-Sale area of Minna,” the statement read.
"It was reported that a group of suspected kidnappers invaded a settlement at Dagwi village, via Beji in 2023 and kidnapped a 10yr old boy from the settlement. Investigation revealed that a ransom of three hundred thousand naira, cartons of energy drinks, packets of cigarettes, foodstuffs and recharge cards were taken before releasing the victim.
"On the 2nd August, at about 9am, the father of the victim sighted and identified one of the suspected kidnappers in Barkin-Sale, Minna. Hence, he raised an alarm, and the suspect was arrested.
“During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and mentioned others as Mahmuda, Aminu, Ibrahim, Yellow, Muazu and Lago.
"He confessed further to the k!lling of a farmer in the same area within 2023 and also added that they usually take their victims to Washa forest via Beji.”