Three federal university students kidnapped in Nasarawa

Abducted Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, has regained his freedom after spending one week in the custody of his abductors. The judge was released on Monday, having been held captive since July 26, 2026, when he was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area. His release was confirmed by both his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, according to the Kebbi State Police Command. The police emphasized that they had refused to pay any ransom, maintaining their stance against such demands. A family member confirmed the judge's safe return, expressing deep gratitude and thanking the public and security agencies for their support during the ordeal. Justice Bunza’s abduction sparked widespread concern and condemnation across Kebbi State, drawing calls for his immediate and safe release. The incident highlighted the escalating threat posed by armed bandits and kidnappers in the region, particularly in parts of Northwest Nigeria, where such attacks have become increasingly common. Despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing these threats, incidents like Bunza’s abduction continue to underscore the vulnerability of prominent individuals and the broader insecurity faced by residents. The Kebbi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. The command also commended the public and other security agencies for their cooperation during the judge’s captivity, assuring residents of its continued dedication to safeguarding lives and property. While the family declined to disclose the circumstances of the judge’s release, they expressed hope that the details would be made public in due course. The family also extended their thanks to the judiciary, security agencies, and the people of Kebbi for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. Separately, in Ogun State, seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, were successfully rescued after being abducted by suspected armed men. The students were freed in a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes. One of the rescued students sustained a gunshot injury but was stabilized and received medical attention. Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed the rescue and stated that two suspects had already been arrested, with ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal gang. He emphasized that no ransom was paid for the students' release, underscoring the effectiveness of the security collaboration. The rescue of the Ogun students followed a broader trend of successful operations across the country. In Kwara State, 163 of 176 women and children abducted in Woro were recently rescued, though 13 remain unaccounted for. These rescues were part of a larger operation that also freed 145 people kidnapped from neighboring Niger State. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised the coordinated efforts of security agencies and acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in facilitating the operation. He also called for the establishment of a permanent Nigerian Army battalion in the affected area to enhance security and prevent future attacks. In Sokoto State, a separate attack on Tsamaye community resulted in the deaths of 21 people and the abduction of 37 others. The attack, which occurred on Monday, left the community in disarray, with thousands of residents fleeing their homes. Eyewitness accounts detailed the chaos, including the drowning of at least 18 people during a failed attempt to cross a river. Local vigilantes reported that security forces were inadequately equipped to respond to the crisis, raising questions about the preparedness of security agencies in dealing with such incidents. The attack marked the second in a week for the community, further exacerbating fears of instability in the region. Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, two men were arrested for their alleged involvement in the abduction of three newly graduated military recruits from Kebbi State. The suspects were identified as Mallan Abubakar and Usman Muhammadu, and they were apprehended after providing critical information about the abduction. The police command stated that the victims had been released and that the case was being investigated further. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of security agencies to dismantle networks responsible for abductions and kidnappings. These developments reflect the complex and evolving nature of security challenges in northern Nigeria, where attacks on civilians, especially women and children, continue to escalate. Despite government interventions and increased military presence, the persistence of armed groups and the lack of effective countermeasures suggest that much work remains to be done. The recent successes in rescuing abducted individuals offer a glimmer of hope, but they also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for sustained efforts to restore safety and stability in the region.