Private Guard Allegedly Abducts Employer’s Twin Sons, Demands Ransom in Niger

A Sallah celebration turned into a nightmare for a businessman in Minna, Niger State, after his private security guard allegedly abducted his six-year-old twin sons and later demanded ransom for their release.

The suspect, identified as Sani Abdulrahaman, reportedly disappeared with the twins, Umaru and Anas Danjuma, on Sunday, May 31, after informing their father, Alhaji Danjuma, that he was taking the children into town for a Sallah outing.

According to the distraught father, the guard failed to return with the children, prompting him to raise an alarm and seek assistance from security agencies and the public.

Alhaji Danjuma disclosed that later that evening, he received a phone call from an individual claiming to be in Erena Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area with the boys. The caller allegedly demanded an undisclosed ransom for the children’s release.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspect deceived the family by claiming he was taking the children out for Sallah celebrations.

“The security man pretended that he was taking the children for Sallah celebration in the town, but did not return,” Abiodun said.

The police spokesperson stated that the case is being treated as an abduction and that security operatives have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

“Investigation has commenced and efforts to locate the children are ongoing,” he added.
The incident has heightened concerns over crimes involving trusted domestic workers and security personnel.

Security experts have repeatedly advised families to conduct thorough background checks on domestic staff and implement safety measures to protect children.

Erena Forest in Shiroro LGA has been identified in previous security reports as a hideout for criminal elements, raising fears that the abduction may be linked to organized kidnapping networks operating within the Niger-Kaduna axis.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Danjuma has appealed to Nigerians with useful information to assist security agencies in locating the children and securing their safe return.

Police say efforts are ongoing to track down the suspect and rescue the twins unharmed.