The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto has arrested five people for kidnapping, raping, and sodomising children aged five to 14.

One of the suspects, Abubakar Abdullahi, was nabbed for kidnapping a 14-year-old girl and demanding N5 million ransom.

The NSCDC commandant Saleh Dada said the defence corps apprehended Mr Abdullahi along Mangoro road in Sokoto metropolis.

Mr Dada disclosed that the suspect and two accomplices were trailed to their hideout, where the NSCDC rescued the girl.

He added that the victim had been reunited with her parents.

The defence corps commandant also revealed that another suspect, Junaidu Sambo, was arrested at the Gagi area in Sokoto. Mr Sambo was accused of luring two pupils and had anal sex with one after sending the other on an errand.

The commandant explained that the suspect sodomised the boy, adding that the victim had been taken to a sexual referral centre for treatment and further support.

In another arrest, the NSCDC nabbed an individual, Aminu Suleiman, for raping a 13-year-old girl in the Kwamberu area in the Sokoto metropolis.

Mr Dada said the victim became pregnant following the rape.

The commandant added that another suspect Jabir Lawal was arrested for raping a five-year-old girl in the Hubbare area. Also, a suspect, Abdurrauf Muhammad, was nabbed for raping a girl in the Mana area in the Sokoto metropolis.

He said all the offences occurred between August 17 to 20.

(NAN)