Kebbi Deputy Speaker Muhammad Samaila Bagudo has regained freedom days after being abducted by suspected terrorists in Bagudo town

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

Also read: Kebbi Deputy Speaker abducted by gunmen

The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the development late Saturday night, saying the lawmaker had been released and reunited with his family.

Bagudo was abducted on Thursday night, October 31, 2025, around 8:20 p.m., 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 whisked him away to an undisclosed location, sparking widespread tension among residents.

Following the abduction, the Kebbi State Police Command, in collaboration with military personnel and vigilante groups, launched an intensive search and rescue operation.

Police spokesperson CSP Nafiu Abubakar had earlier confirmed the incident, assuring that security operatives were working tirelessly to secure Bagudo’s release.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, as reaffirming the Command’s determination to ensure the lawmaker’s safe return and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“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 on edge throughout the ordeal, as security forces combed suspected bandits’ routes and forest hideouts.

Although details of Bagudo’s release remain sketchy, government sources indicated that he was freed unhurt and is now safely at home with his family.