Police Intensify Rescue Operation for Abducted Kebbi High Court Judge

The Nigeria Police Force has launched an intensive rescue operation to secure the release of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, who was abducted by suspected bandits from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area.

Justice Bunza was reportedly kidnapped around midnight on Saturday after armed men stormed his home along Zogirma Road, shortly after he returned from a trip to Sokoto State.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Command, SP Bashir Usman, said the command immediately activated a coordinated rescue operation following a distress call.

He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, had ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to ensure the judge’s safe rescue.

According to Usman, security operatives have launched intensive search operations across identified flashpoints, including nearby forests believed to be possible hideouts of the kidnappers.

“As we speak, our personnel are combing identified locations, including forest areas, to ensure that the judge is rescued alive and unharmed,” he said.

Sources familiar with the incident said the attackers invaded the judge’s residence shortly after his arrival from Sokoto, fired sporadically into the air and abducted him. No member of his family was reportedly injured during the attack.

The incident has been reported to security agencies and the leadership of the Kebbi State High Court.

A senior High Court official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, described the abduction as a painful development for the judiciary.

The official disclosed that the court’s management had met with heads of security agencies in the state to strengthen efforts aimed at securing the judge’s immediate release.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, while police said rescue efforts were ongoing.

Matawalle orders intensified offensive against terrorists

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has directed military formations involved in counter-terrorism operations across the North-West to intensify the offensive against armed groups.

In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, the minister urged troops to employ every lawful and necessary measure to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the region.

Matawalle, while sympathising with victims of recent attacks in Zamfara State, assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and security.

He instructed Operation Fansan Yamma and other military formations operating in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states to sustain targeted operations against terrorist hideouts and logistics networks.

The minister also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to provide timely and credible intelligence, particularly on individuals suspected of supporting terrorist groups with information or logistics.

He further directed senior military commanders in volatile areas to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols to identify and destroy terrorist camps before they can be used to launch attacks on communities.

Matawalle commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism and sacrifices, citing recent operations that led to the neutralisation of suspected terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, Faskari and other locations.

He urged troops to sustain the momentum until terrorism and banditry are decisively defeated across the North-West.