The Katsina State Police Command said it has uncovered a kidnapping syndicate involving a 14-year-old girl who conspired with three others to abduct her four-year-old sister and fake her own abduction to demand ransom.

Spokesperson for the command, Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the command’s activities for the month of May.

He said the incident was reported on February 20, 2025, by one Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters, Katsina, who informed the police that his two daughters, aged 14 and 4, had been kidnapped.

The abductors demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.

“Upon receipt of the letter, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, detailed the command’s anti-kidnapping to investigate. Promptly, detailed investigation commenced.

“About four months from the date of the kidnapping, the eldest daughter surfaced. When questioned, she confessed to having conspired with three others to kidnap her 4-year-old sister and faked her own kidnapping,” he said.

The other suspects, aged 25, 19, and 16, were subsequently arrested, and the four-year-old victim was rescued unharmed.

He added, “They all confessed to the commission of the offence.

“During the investigation, one live round of 7.62mm ammunition was recovered from their possession. Investigation is ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, psc, fdc, MNIM, commends the officers’ efforts and urges the public to continue supporting the crime-fighting efforts of the command by reporting suspicious activities for prompt and decisive action.”

punch