Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction and subsequent murder of a 10-year-old boy in Mariga Local Government Area. The case — which began in July and came to light again in September when the guardian reported the matter to police — ended with a confession, recovery of the child’s remains and the filing of criminal charges. 

What happened (timeline & ransom)

• The case began on 24 July 2025, when 10-year-old Yaseer Mustapha of Kwana-Mariga was abducted while his guardian was on the farm. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦3.5 million for the boy’s release. 

• After negotiation the guardian was able to raise ₦100,000, which was paid into an account provided by the abductors. A short time later the hoodlums demanded an additional ₦10,000 from one Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi, but then fell silent — prompting the guardian to report the matter to the police in September. 

Arrests, confessions & recovery of the body

• Police trailed and arrested Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi (32) of Kwana and, following his confession, Abdulnafiu Usman (18) of the same community. The suspects confessed to the abduction and to killing the boy. 

• According to the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, officers were led to an uncompleted building within the neighbourhood where the decomposed body of the boy was found. The remains were recovered and released to the family for burial.

Evidence & prosecution

• The police reported that both suspects have confessed and have been charged in court; investigations are ongoing to locate other members of the syndicate (if any) and to assemble the prosecution case. 

Wider context

• Kidnapping remains a serious security challenge in Niger State and other parts of Nigeria. This case is particularly alarming because the victim was reportedly killed after ransom payments (and partial payments) were made — a fact that has drawn public outrage and reinforces calls for more robust anti-kidnapping measures and faster police response times.

What this means for residents

• The arrest demonstrates the value of reporting kidnappings to security agencies and the effectiveness of intelligence-led follow-ups. However, the case also highlights continued vulnerabilities in rural communities and the heavy emotional and financial toll on affected families.

• Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, avoid travelling alone in isolated areas, register suspicious movements with local vigilante groups and the police, and report ransom calls or suspicious bank accounts immediately to the nearest police station.

Police appeal

• The Niger State Police Command has asked anyone with additional information about the gang or other kidnappings to contact the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and assist investigations to ensure all accomplices are brought to justice. 

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Source: Niger State Police Command statement as reported by PUNCH (24 Sept 2025). (Punch Newspapers)