Police arrest 4 suspected kidnappers in Gombe, rescue 8-year-old boy

Friday, July 3, 2026 - Operatives of the Gombe State Police Command have arrested four suspected kidnappers and rescued an 8-year-old boy abducted in Akko Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

According to the PPRO, the boy’s father reported the incident to the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 after his son left home the previous day and failed to return.

The police said detectives immediately launched an investigation and intensified efforts to trace the missing child.

Intelligence-led operations led to a breakthrough on June 30, when operatives arrested the first suspect, identified as Abdullahi Mohammed.

"The Gombe State Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat crime and safeguard lives and property, has successfully rescued an eight-year-old boy who was abducted and arrested four (4) suspects linked to the crime,” the statement read.

"On 28th June, 2026, at about 11:30 hours, a report was made by one Alhaji Muhammadu Nabadara ‘M’ at the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters that his eight-year-old son left home on 27th June, 2026, at about 6:30hours to an unknown destination and did not return.

"Detectives immediately commenced investigations with coordinated efforts to trace the missing child. 

"On 29th June, 2026, the family received a telephone call purportedly revealing the victim’s location. However, upon verification, the information was discovered to be false and misleading.

"Following intelligence led operations, on 30th June, 2026, at about 10:00 hours, operatives successfully tracked and arrested the first suspect one Abdullahi Mohammed ‘M’ of Jauro Musa Quarters, Kumo, Akko LGA, Gombe State.

"During interview, the said Abdullahi Mohammed confessed to have conspired with the following persons to abduct the victim: 1. Mohammed Magaji ‘M’ 35years 2. Sale Sale ‘M’ 23years. 3. Walida Ya’u ‘F’ 18years all of kagarawal Quarters, Gombe.

"The three aforementioned accomplices were arrested and the victim was found in their custody.

"The victim was successfully rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his family. 

"However, investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution upon conclusion.

"The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, mnips, fwc, psc (+), commends the professionalism, diligence, and swift response of the operatives involved in the rescue operation. 

“He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.”