RismadarVoice Reporters
November 14, 2026
The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued a three-year-old girl, Nabila Abdulganiyu, who was allegedly abducted and held captive for nearly two weeks, and has arrested her 26-year-old paternal aunt in connection with the incident.
The suspect, identified as Saadiya Sahabi, was arrested on November 10 in Bela District, Bungudu Local Government Area, following an intelligence-led investigation by police operatives.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, November 13.
According to Abubakar, the victim’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, a resident of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, reported his daughter’s disappearance to detectives of the State Intelligence Department on October 30.
He told investigators that the child had been abducted by an unidentified person on October 28.
The father further reported receiving a telephone call from a concealed number on October 29, during which the caller claimed to have custody of the girl and demanded ₦10 million for her release.
Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Bello, directed the State Intelligence Department to investigate the incident and ensure the child’s safe return.
The police said sustained intelligence gathering, technical analysis and collaboration with security partners led investigators to Bela District, where the suspect was arrested and the child rescued.
Preliminary investigations reportedly established that Sahabi was the younger sister of the victim’s father.
The command explained that the suspect and the girl’s father shared the same biological father but had different mothers.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the abduction during interrogation.
However, investigators are continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals participated in the alleged crime.
The rescued child underwent a medical examination before being formally reunited with her parents on November 12.
The police commissioner commended the State Intelligence Department operatives for their professionalism and effective use of intelligence in securing the child’s release.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents, particularly vulnerable children, and ensuring that individuals found responsible for criminal activities face prosecution.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities promptly.
Meanwhile, investigations remain ongoing, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
