The kidnapping alert triggered on Saturday in Seine-Saint-Denis has been lifted after the premature baby Dalia was found at a Lille hospital. The parents and their two other children remain wanted. The investigation into the child abduction continues.
On February 19, 2026, parents Abdelkader Benabderrahmane, 24, and Chaima Hattab, 20, fled Épinay-sur-Seine with their three children after opposing a provisional placement order with the child welfare services (ASE). This measure followed a hospital report citing precarious housing, parental drug use, and neglect of the children's basic needs, according to Bobigny prosecutor Eric Mathais.
The kidnapping alert was activated at 05:45 on February 21 by the Ministry of Justice. It involved Dalia, a 6-week-old girl with a heart condition requiring regular care, along with her brother Nael, 18 months, and sister Éline, 2.5 years. Authorities warned that without proper care, Dalia's condition could worsen within 48 hours.
At 16:05, Dalia was left at Lille's Saint-Vincent de Paul Hospital by an unidentified woman whose face was covered by a veil and surgical mask. Bobigny prosecutor's office confirmed she was found alive around 18:30, lifting the alert. The parents, described as 1m70 and between 1m62 and 1m65 tall, slim, with brown hair and eyes, remain at large with Nael and Éline. Abdelkader Benabderrahmane may have a facial scratch. They may attempt to leave the country.
Seine-Saint-Denis territorial security and departmental police judicial service are investigating child abduction of minors under 15 in an organized group. Two family members of the parents are in custody on suspicion of aiding the escape. Authorities urge contacting 197 or alerte-enlevement@interieur.gouv.fr if sighted, without intervening personally.
This kidnapping alert system, adopted in 2006 and inspired by the U.S. Amber Alert, has been triggered more than 30 times in France since its inception.
