The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday raised the alarm over the increasing rate of kidnapping in Sokoto, just as it advised parents to be more security conscious and monitor their wards to avoid falling victim.

Speaking while parading one Idris Umar, arrested over the kidnap of an eight-year-old boy, Abdul’azeez Abubakar, alongside Mu’azu Hassan who is still at large, the DSS assured of adequate security measures to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians.

The state director of security service, Tijanni Kaffa, represented by the assistant director, Francis Okpo, told newsmen that Abdul’azeez Abubakar was kidnapped by Idris Umar and Mu’azu Hassan on the 14th of August, 2015 and taken to Minanata area of Sokoto South local government where he was held hostage.

Minanata area is within the state metropolis and known to many as one of the dark spots in the state where all manner of illicit drugs are being sold.

Okpo said, “The victim was however, released on the 15th August, 2015 by his captors after the payment of N300, 000.00 ransom by the father, Alhaji Abubakar.

“Subsequently, the case was reported to the Command, and prompt investigation was initiated with a view to arresting the suspects. Consequently, Idris Umar (kingpin) was arrested on 11th September, 2015, while adequate security measures have been emplaced to arrest the remaining accomplices”.

While insisting that the DSS will not hesitate to deal with identified criminal minded persons within the ambit of the law, Okpo said they will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to guarantee adequate security.