An armed robbery turned into a kidnapping in Ankaranana, in the Soavinandriana district, last Monday. Three bandits broke into a family home and demanded money. When the occupants refused or were unable to provide the requested sum, they forcibly took their 8-year-old daughter. After fleeing, the kidnappers reportedly headed north, taking a road that could lead to National Route number 1. Law enforcement quickly launched a large-scale search operation. Several gendarmes were deployed to the area. Main entry and exit points were monitored, while difficult access passages were sealed off and roadblocks were set up. The three men later contacted the family by phone to demand a ransom of 8 million ariary in exchange for the child's release. The search continued with the joint participation of the gendarmerie and the Malagasy army. Operations ultimately led to the discovery of the girl safe and sound in the place where she had been hidden. The kidnappers had already left the area and no ransom was paid. Investigations are ongoing to identify and locate those responsible for the kidnapping. Nantenaina Njanahary