Police Rescue Abducted 4-Year-Old in Gombe, Arrest Two Suspected Child Traffickers

Gombe, Nigeria - 22 April, 2026

The Gombe State Police Command has successfully rescued a four-year-old boy who was abducted in Gombe State, arresting two suspects linked to the crime in a swift intelligence-led operation.

According to a press statement issued on April 22, 2026, the operation was carried out on April 21 at about 4:45 p.m., following credible intelligence. Police operatives intercepted the principal suspect, identified as Ibrahim Magaji, in possession of the victim, Al-Ameen Salisu, who had been abducted two days earlier from Yalenguruza community in Akko Local Government Area.

A second suspect, Hauwa Abubakar, was also arrested in connection with the case. She is reportedly a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area and is alleged to have played a key role in the crime.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was initially kept in the custody of the female suspect before being handed over to the principal suspect. Authorities further disclosed that both suspects are ex-convicts who met while serving sentences at the Gombe Correctional Facility.

Police sources added that the second suspect had previously been convicted in 2019 for involvement in child trafficking and has now confessed to participating in multiple related offences.

During the arrest, officers recovered several items from the principal suspect, including an Air Force identity card, which is now part of ongoing investigations.

The rescued child was immediately taken to a medical facility, where he was examined and confirmed to be in good health before being safely reunited with his family.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, commended the professionalism and prompt response of the operatives involved. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and tackling criminal networks, particularly those involved in child trafficking.

The police also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information as investigations continue to uncover other possible members of the syndicate.