By Peter Omopo
The Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Samaila Bagudo, who was abducted by gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, has regained his freedom.
His release was confirmed late Saturday night by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, who disclosed in a telephone interview that the lawmaker had been freed and reunited with his family.
Bagudo was kidnapped on Thursday, October 31, 2025, around 8:20 p.m. in his hometown, Bagudo, the headquarters of Bagudo Local Government Area, shortly after observing the Isha’i prayers.
According to eyewitnesses, the heavily armed assailants stormed the town, seized the 60-year-old legislator, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location, causing panic among residents.
Following the abduction, security agencies, including the Kebbi State Police Command, the military, and local vigilante groups, launched an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, had earlier confirmed the incident, assuring the public that a coordinated search and rescue operation was in progress. He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, who reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the lawmaker and the arrest of those responsible.
“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 neighbouring communities had remained on edge throughout the week as security operatives combed suspected bandits’ routes and forest hideouts.
While details of the circumstances surrounding Bagudo’s release remain unclear, government sources confirmed that the Deputy Speaker was freed unharmed and has since reunited with his loved ones.
