By Ado Oyeyemi
The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued two teenage girls allegedly taken from their community in Taraba State and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.
The victims, both aged 13, identified as Aisha and Zainab, were reportedly declared missing in March after leaving their homes in Fangari Hamlet, located in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the rescue followed a complaint lodged on March 10, 2026, by the father of one of the girls, who reported that the teenagers had disappeared despite extensive efforts by their families to locate them.
The police spokesperson said sustained intelligence gathering and investigation led operatives to Bara Town in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where the girls were eventually found and rescued.
Preliminary findings indicated that two suspects, Auwal Muhammad and Abdulgaffar Musa, both 20 years old and residents of Unguwar Zangoma in Bara Town, allegedly conspired to move the minors from Taraba to Bauchi without the knowledge or approval of their parents.
The suspects were subsequently taken into custody, while the rescued girls were placed under protective care pending their reunification with their families.
Habib disclosed that the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to tackle crimes involving children and other vulnerable persons.
He warned that the police would not condone child abduction or exploitation and urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The command also assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting children and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
