Zamfara Police Nab Woman Over Niece's Abduction, N10m Ransom Demand

The Zamfara State Police Command has announced the arrest of 26-year-old Saadiya Sahabi in connection with the kidn*pping of her three-year-old niece. Sahabi allegedly held the child captive for approximately two weeks while demanding a N10 million ransom from the victim's parents.

DSP Yazid Abubakar, the command's spokesperson, confirmed in a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, that the abducted child, Nabila Abdulganiyu, had been safely rescued and reunited with her family. According to Abubakar, Saadiya Sahabi, who is the paternal aunt of the victim, was apprehended by police operatives following an intelligence-led investigation that ultimately led to the child's rescue.

The victim's father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, had initially reported his daughter missing to detectives at the State Intelligence Department (SID) on October 30, 2026. He informed the authorities that he had received a phone call from an unknown individual claiming to have his daughter and demanding a N10 million ransom for her release.

Abubakar detailed that persistent intelligence gathering, technical analysis, and strategic collaborations enabled operatives to trace and arrest the suspect on November 10, 2026, in Bela District, Bungudu Local Government Area of the state. It was during this operation that Nabila Abdulganiyu was also safely rescued.

Further details from the police statement indicated: “The Zamfara State Police Command has successfully rescued a three-year-old girl, Nabila Abdulganiyu, who was allegedly abducted and held in captivity for about two weeks.” The statement further added, "The rescue followed the arrest of her 26-year-old paternal aunt, Saadiya Sahabi, in connection with the incident."

The formal complaint from Abdulganiyu Sahabi, a resident of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, was lodged with the SID on October 30, 2026, around 11:30 hours, reporting the abduction of his daughter on October 28, 2026. He also disclosed receiving the ransom call from a concealed number on October 29, 2026.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police for Zamfara State Command, CP A.M. Bello, psc+, Mnips, Ccnp, immediately instructed the State Intelligence Department to launch a thorough investigation to ensure the safe recovery of the child. The preliminary investigation identified Saadiya Sahabi as the younger sister of the victim's father, sharing the same biological father but from different mothers. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to her involvement in the crime.

Investigations are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify and apprehend any other individuals who may have been involved. The rescued child underwent a medical examination and was formally reunited with her parents on November 12, 2026.

CP Bello commended the SID operatives for their professionalism, dedication, and effective use of intelligence-led policing. He reiterated the Command's commitment to safeguarding lives and property, especially vulnerable members of society, and ensuring that all perpetrators of kidn*pping and other criminal acts face justice. The Command urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities.