Police Arrest Two for Kidnapping, Killing of 10-Year-Old Boy in Niger
Police Arrest Two for Kidnapping, Killing of 10-Year-Old Boy in Niger
The Niger State Police Command has arrested two men in connection with the abduction and gruesome killing of a 10-year-old boy, Yaseer Mustapha, in Mariga Local Government Area of the state. The Command also confirmed the arrest of three suspected motorcycle thieves in Kontagora.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the tragic case began on July 24, 2025, when young Yaseer was abducted from his community in Kwana-Mariga while his guardian was away on the farm.
According to Abiodun, the abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦3.5 million. “After much negotiation, the guardian was able to raise ₦100,000, which he paid into an account provided by the abductors. A month later, he was further asked to pay an additional ₦10,000 to one Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi, without any communication from the hoodlums afterwards,” the statement said.
Following weeks of discreet investigation, the police traced and arrested two suspects identified as Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi and another accomplice, who allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime. The suspects are said to have led operatives to the scene where the boy’s remains were discovered.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, described the incident as “deeply disturbing and heart-wrenching,” assuring the public that justice will be served.
He commended the detectives for their diligence and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Kontagora, three suspected motorcycle thieves were arrested after they allegedly attempted to sell stolen motorcycles.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping and armed robbery, which have plagued parts of the state.
