Delta State Police Command successfully rescues three-year-old Abubakar Atiku after he was abducted by a six-member syndicate. The raid on the hideouts of the syndicate took place at Abraka Market in the Oshimili-South Local Government Area of the state.

The incident unfolded when the victim’s mother, Aisha Yusuf, reported the abduction of her son, allegedly by a 35-year-old man named Mohammed Isah, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Promptly responding to the complaint, a team of police officers led by CSP Apu Torukeregha, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘C’ Division Asaba, initiated an intensive search operation to locate and rescue the abducted child.

Acting on a tip-off, the police team conducted a raid on Abraka Market, where they apprehended Mohammed Isah. During interrogation, Isah confessed to the crime and provided valuable information that led to the arrest of three additional members of the child stealing syndicate. The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Sani (23), Kabiru Ibrahim (52), and Abubakar Mohammed, a 32-year-old individual with a physical disability.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the syndicate has been involved in the abduction of children for the purpose of selling them at exorbitant prices. As part of the investigation, the suspects guided the police to a hotel located in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they apprehended Suleiman Mohammed (38). It was in Mohammed’s custody that the abducted child was found. Further interrogation revealed that Mohammed had agreed to sell the child for the sum of N800,000 ($1,923), and he was awaiting the buyer’s arrival when the police intervened and arrested him.

DSP Bright Edafe, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the rescued child had been reunited with his mother. The suspects are currently in custody, pending further investigation.

The successful rescue operation by the Delta State Police Command highlights their commitment to combating child abduction and dismantling criminal syndicates involved in such heinous activities. The swift action taken by the police authorities and the cooperation of the public have ensured the safe return of the child and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The investigation will continue to shed light on the syndicate’s operations and bring them to justice, ensuring the safety and security of the community.