The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the successful identification and reunion of a missing teenager who initially claimed to be a foreign national.
The boy, earlier reported to have identified himself as a Spanish national named Alex Ansol, was later discovered through police investigation to be Yusuf Sabiu, a 16-year-old Nigerian.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the teenager was found in Dadin Kowa Village in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
“Thorough investigation by the Command revealed that the teenager… was in fact Yusuf Sabiu, 16 years old,” the statement said.
The police further traced his parents to different parts of the country, identifying his father as Saminu Yusuf from Lere LGA of Kaduna State and his mother as Habiba Alhassan Adam from Plateau State. Authorities also disclosed that the parents have been separated for over 13 years.
Yusuf was subsequently handed over to his parents at the Doguwa Police Division following the conclusion of the investigation.
The Command commended the media and members of the public for their role in amplifying the initial report, noting that the widespread circulation of the information significantly aided efforts to locate the teenager’s family.
“The Command sincerely appreciates members of the press, media houses, and social media users… Your swift circulation of the information played a key role in tracing the family,” Kiyawa stated.
The police also urged parents and guardians to promptly report missing persons to the nearest station, stressing that early reporting enhances the chances of swift recovery.
In addition, the Command advised separated or divorced parents to maintain communication regarding their children’s welfare, emphasizing that a stable support system is vital in preventing such incidents.
