The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Sokoto State Command, has apprehended three suspects connected to the abduction and gang rape of a 15-year-old girl, Amina Abdullahi, in Gantsare village, Wammako Local Government Area of the state.

This is according to a press statement by the command’s spokesman, DSC Mohammad Zayyanu, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

The statement said, “The suspects identified included one Halidu Shehu,\xa0 male, 20 years, who is the principal suspect.

“Others are Jamilu Umar, male, 20 years, and Usama Bello, male, 24 years, who were all arrested on January 23, 2025, after a report was filed by the victim’s parents, who had been searching for their missing daughter.

“The suspects held the victim captive for over three days in the principal suspect’s room, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults.”

The statement further said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was drugged and lured by one Rabia’tu, who remains at large.

“Efforts are underway to apprehend her. The victim has received medical attention, and results from the examination are awaited to aid in the ongoing investigation.

“The commandant, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, through his aide, CSC Aliyu Jamilu, strongly condemned the act, describing it as horrific and inhumane. He assured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring that the suspects face the full weight of the law.

“This tragic incident reminds us of the need for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protective of their children. It also highlights the importance of community involvement in promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies,” the commandant stated.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC Sokoto Command is calling on all stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, to work together in building a society free from such heinous crimes.

“Protecting our children is a collective responsibility, and we must remain united in this fight against all forms of criminality,” the commandant added.

He said the command remained committed to safeguarding the lives and rights of all residents and encouraged the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist in fighting crimes.