Abducted Kebbi deputy speaker regains freedom

The Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Samaila Bagudo, who was abducted by gunmen suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists, has regained his freedom.

Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the development late Saturday night in a telephone interview, saying the lawmaker has been released and reunited with his family.

Bagudo was kidnapped on Thursday night, October 31, 2025, at around 8:20 pm in his hometown of Bagudo, the headquarters of Bagudo Local Government Area, shortly after observing Isha’i prayers.

Armed with sophisticated weapons, the assailants reportedly stormed the town, seized the 60-year-old legislator, and took him to an unknown location, sparking tension among residents.

Following the abduction, the Kebbi State Police Command, in collaboration with military personnel and vigilante groups, launched a massive manhunt.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, had earlier confirmed the abduction, assuring the public that a coordinated search and rescue operation was underway. He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, emphasizing the Command’s determination to ensure the lawmaker’s safe return and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering determination to ensure the safe rescue of the Honourable member and the arrest of the culprits,” the statement read.

Residents of Bagudo and surrounding communities had remained tense while security operatives combed suspected bandits’ routes and forest hideouts.

Although details surrounding Bagudo’s release remain scarce, government sources indicated that he was freed unhurt