SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared in a press release that on July 4, 2024, around 4 PM, the victim’s father received a call from an unknown individual demanding a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) for his daughter’s release. The distressed father immediately reported the incident to the Kano State Police Command.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, mobilized a team from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by SP Aliyu Muhammad Auwal, with instructions to rescue the young girl within 24 hours and apprehend the kidnapper.

The squad launched an intensive and intelligence-driven operation that quickly yielded results. By 8 AM on July 5, 2024, just 16 hours after the kidnapping, the police had arrested 22-year-old Zakariyya Muhammad, a neighbor of the victim. During interrogation, Muhammad confessed to the crime and led detectives to the location where he had kept the girl.

The young girl was found unharmed in an isolated area and was immediately taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where she was examined, found healthy, and subsequently discharged.

Commissioner Garba commended the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for their prompt and effective response, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents.