The Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Bagudu, has regained his freedom after nine days in captivity. Bagudu was abducted on the night of October 31st, 2025, in his hometown of Bagudu Local Government Area shortly after he concluded his Isha’i prayers at about 8:20 p.m. The incident occurred when a heavily armed gang of bandits stormed the town and forcibly took the lawmaker.
The Kebbi State Police Command swiftly launched a high-level manhunt, deploying a joint team comprising police tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes to scour suspected bandits’ hideouts and surrounding forests to rescue the Deputy Speaker unharmed. CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the combined security forces worked assiduously to track down the abductors and secure the lawmaker’s safe release.
Commissioner of Police Bello M. Sani reiterated the Command’s resolute commitment to protecting lives and pledged that no stone would be left unturned to ensure the safety of residents and public officials. “The Command remains resolute in its duty to ensure the safety of residents and will leave no stone unturned in securing the release of the abducted lawmaker,” CP Sani said, urging citizens to continue supporting the efforts of security agencies to maintain peace and stability within the state.
During the period of Bagudu’s captivity, the state government stayed closely involved, with Governor Nasir Idris receiving continuous updates and coordinating closely with security officials and the state’s Director of Security. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, reassured the public that the government was “on top of the situation” and working to guarantee the lawmaker’s safety.
The abduction incident caused widespread concern among residents of Kebbi and neighboring Northwestern states, where banditry and armed attacks have continued to pose a significant security challenge despite ongoing peace efforts. The authorities appealed for credible intelligence from the public that would aid in rescuing the Deputy Speaker and apprehending the criminals responsible.
The safe release of Hon. Samaila Bagudu marks a hopeful moment for the community and underscores the ongoing need for enhanced security measures to protect public officials and residents in the region plagued by insecurity.
This development has been widely welcomed, but security agencies remain vigilant for any further threats as they continue efforts to restore peace and order in Kebbi State and beyond. The police and military have vowed to sustain their operations until full stability is achieved.
