“A ‘Hollywood’ Scenario”: Truth Emerges Behind Wad Madani Child “Kidnapping” Case in Al-Gezira

Al-Gezira Security Committee has disclosed findings on the case involving children in Al-Andalus neighborhood of Wad Madani, which had sparked widespread controversy last week after claims of kidnapping inside a shipping container in Al-Sheikh Taha area and a subsequent escape.

The State Police Director, Major General Abdel-Ilah Mohamed, said security agencies responded immediately after a video of the incident circulated online. He noted that investigation teams handled the case from the outset and ruled out the kidnapping theory based on preliminary findings.

According to initial statements, the children alleged they had been abducted and held inside a shipping container before escaping and contacting their families by phone. However, police investigations and medical examinations later found no evidence of physical assault or drugging, and confirmed that none of the children’s mobile phones had been stolen.

The final investigation concluded that the children had voluntarily left their homes as part of a pre-planned attempt to travel toward Khartoum. They traveled along the Wad Madani–Khartoum highway, used a motorized rickshaw (“tuk-tuk”) to reach the Fadasi area, and continued on foot before contacting their families after nightfall and fabricating the kidnapping story amid repeated parental calls.

The Police Director said the case reflects the influence of films and television series on minors, urging families to increase supervision, monitoring, and guidance for children.