Birnin Kebbi, Saturday, November 1, 2025
In yet another alarming case of rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, the Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, by suspected bandits.
The incident, according to the police, occurred on Friday night around 8:20 p.m. in Bagudo Local Government Area, shortly after the lawmaker had observed the Isha’i (night) prayers and was heading home.
Police Confirm Abduction
In a statement released on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, said the attackers stormed Bagudo town in large numbers, shooting sporadically before whisking the lawmaker away.
“On Friday, 31st October 2025, at about 8:20 p.m., suspected bandits invaded Bagudo town in Bagudo Local Government Area and kidnapped the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, shortly after the Isha’i prayer,” Abubakar stated.
He added that the police, in collaboration with local vigilante groups and military personnel, have since launched a joint search and rescue operation aimed at securing the safe release of the legislator.
“Immediately after receiving the distress call, a combined team of security operatives was deployed to the area. The team is currently combing nearby forests and possible hideouts used by the bandits,” the statement continued.
Growing Security Concerns in Kebbi
The abduction has sent shockwaves across Kebbi State, known to be relatively peaceful compared to some of its northwestern neighbors such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto, where banditry and kidnappings have become rampant in recent years.
Residents of Bagudo described the attack as sudden and terrifying, saying the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and began shooting indiscriminately to scare people away. Many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the onslaught.
One witness, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said:
“They came in motorcycles, heavily armed. People started running for their lives. Before anyone could realize what was happening, they had taken the Deputy Speaker away.”
Government Reaction
While official government response is still unfolding, sources within the Kebbi State Government House said Governor Nasir Idris has been briefed and has directed security agencies to ensure the lawmaker’s safe return “without delay.”
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Usman Zuru, also condemned the attack, describing it as “an assault on democracy and governance.”
“The abduction of our Deputy Speaker is not just an attack on one man, but on the institution of the legislature itself. We call on all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue him alive,” he said in a brief statement.
Escalating Banditry in Northwestern Nigeria
Kebbi State, though less affected in the past, has recently witnessed a resurgence of bandit attacks, particularly in border communities adjoining Zamfara and Niger States. Security experts have linked this to displacement of armed groups from neighboring areas due to ongoing military operations.
Over the past six months, multiple abductions and armed raids have been recorded across Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru axes. In September, gunmen kidnapped over 30 villagers in Danko-Wasagu, demanding millions of naira in ransom.
A security analyst, Dr. Sani Umar, told our correspondent that the abduction of a high-profile lawmaker reflects “a dangerous escalation in the operations of criminal groups.”
“The fact that they can abduct a sitting Deputy Speaker in his own constituency underscores both the brazenness and capacity of these groups. It is a clear indication that local intelligence networks and response mechanisms need urgent strengthening,” Umar said.
Police and Military Collaboration
The Kebbi State Police Command assured the public that intensive efforts are ongoing to ensure the victim’s release and arrest of the perpetrators. The statement also urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report any suspicious movement in their communities.
The Nigerian Army, through the 8 Division headquartered in Sokoto, is also said to be providing logistical support to the search team, given the proximity of Bagudo to major forests used as hideouts by criminal gangs.
Calls for Action
Civil society organizations and community leaders have renewed calls for a comprehensive security strategy that goes beyond reactive measures. They argue that unless root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and weak local governance are addressed, insecurity in the region will persist.
The Kebbi Youth Forum, in a statement on Saturday, condemned the abduction and demanded the federal government’s intervention.
“If lawmakers are not safe, what hope do ordinary citizens have? The government must step up. We can no longer live under the constant threat of bandits,” the group’s spokesperson, Aisha Bagudo, said.
No Ransom Demand Yet
As of press time, the kidnappers have not made any contact or ransom demand, according to police sources. Security operatives are said to be monitoring communications and tracking potential leads.
“We have not received any information regarding ransom. Our focus for now is on rescue operations,” a senior security officer told this newspaper on condition of anonymity.
A Nation on Edge
The abduction of the Deputy Speaker adds to a growing list of kidnappings targeting public officials, traditional rulers, and clerics across northern Nigeria. Analysts warn that such incidents, if unchecked, could erode public trust in government and embolden non-state actors.
For now, residents of Kebbi State are anxiously awaiting updates, hoping that Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo will return safely to his family and constituency.
The Kebbi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring the public that further updates will be released as the situation develops.
