Jigawa Police Arrest Nurse, Woman Over Baby's Abduction from Hospital

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a nursing officer and a 20-year-old woman over the alleged abduction of a one-and-a-half-year-old baby boy from the paediatric ward of Babura General Hospital.

The child was later rescued from the female suspect.

The command's spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, saying the arrests followed a swift police operation launched after the hospital reported the child's disappearance.

‘The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged abduction of a one-and-a-half-year-old baby boy,’ the statement read.

‘The breakthrough followed a distress call received from Babura General Hospital reporting the disappearance of the child from the pediatric ward.’

According to the statement, police operatives immediately swung into action after receiving the report and commenced intelligence-led investigations aimed at locating the missing child and apprehending those responsible.

‘Acting swiftly on credible intelligence and investigative leads, police operatives tracked and arrested Khadija Aliyu, 'f', age 20yrs, of Kinkinau Quarters, Kaduna state, at the outskirts of the town while she was in possession of the abducted child.’

Further investigations led detectives to a hospital worker allegedly linked to the case.

‘Further investigation led to the arrest of one Sadik Sale Yahaya, 'm', age 25yrs, of Zango Quarters, Gumel Division, a nursing officer attached to Babura General Hospital, who allegedly conspired with the woman in carrying out the criminal act.’

During interrogation, the woman reportedly admitted to plans to sell the child.

‘During interrogation, the woman confessed to taking the child to an orphanage in Kaduna State with the intention of selling the baby for the sum of two million naira (N2,000,000.00).’

The statement noted that the rescued child has been placed in protective custody pending reunion with his family.

‘The rescued child has been placed in protective custody and will be reunited with the biological family after the completion of the necessary procedures.’

Both suspects remain in custody as police work to uncover the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.

‘The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to ascertain the full extent of the conspiracy and identify any other accomplices.’

The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the operatives involved and reassured residents of the command's commitment to public safety.

‘He reassured residents of the Command's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information that will aid in preventing and combating crime throughout the state.’