Kidnapped judge regains freedom in Nigeria

A judge in Nigeria's northwestern Kebbi state has regained his freedom after being held captive for a week. Farouk Hassan Bunza, a judge of the High Court of Kebbi State, was released on Monday, August 3, 2026, according to state police.

Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza town on July 26 by unidentified armed individuals. While the exact circumstances of his release are not yet fully detailed, police spokesperson Bashir Usman confirmed that Bunza was freed earlier that day. The police maintained a firm stance against paying any ransom, despite the kidnappers' demands.

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He was released earlier today. Although the kidnappers demanded a ransom, the police leadership still adheres to its firm stance of refusing to pay it.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant source of income for various armed groups in Nigeria, including jihadist factions in the northeast and criminal gangs locally known as "bandits." These bandits exert influence over vast areas, particularly in rural parts of north-central and northwestern Nigeria where government presence is often limited. They engage in activities such as imposing "taxes" on farmers, stealing livestock, and attacking villages, with suspicions also pointing to their involvement in illegal mining.

The police have stated that security agencies are intensifying their investigation efforts to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident follows a pattern of abductions, including the kidnapping of retired Major General Rabi Abubakar and his wife in the neighboring Katsina State in May, where Abubakar tragically died during his captivity. The authorities are committed to apprehending those responsible for Bunza's abduction.

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Security agencies have intensified investigation efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.