Faruk Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, was rescued after an eight‑day ordeal that began on the early hours of Sunday, 26 July, when heavily armed bandits raided his home in Bunza Local Government Area. Police confirmed his release on Monday, and the judge has since been safely reunited with his family.
In a statement released by the Kebbi State Police spokesperson Bashir Usman, the authorities announced that Mr Bunza was freed earlier on Monday. “With the judge now released, police and other security agencies have intensified investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the spokesperson said. The statement also thanked the public and partner security organisations for their support throughout the operation and urged citizens to provide confidential, actionable information to assist detectives. Calls can be made to the control room lines at 090 399 1187 or 070 810 74395.
The kidnapping sparked widespread outrage and panic across Kebbi State. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the incident, describing it as a direct assault on the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law. The NBA called for swift action to ensure the safety of judicial officers and to uphold the integrity of the legal system.
The State Ministry of Justice also confirmed the judge’s release, adding that the ministry would continue to cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. The ministry’s statement underscored the importance of protecting the independence of the judiciary and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
Mr Bunza’s eight‑day captivity highlighted the growing threat of armed robbery and kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria. While the police have secured his release, they remain focused on locating the bandits who carried out the abduction. The intensified investigation aims to dismantle the network responsible and to prevent similar attacks on public officials.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader security challenges facing Kebbi State and the wider region. Local authorities have pledged to enhance protective measures for judges and other public servants, including increased patrols and community outreach programs. The police command has also announced plans to strengthen intelligence gathering and to improve coordination with federal security agencies.
As the investigation continues, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. The police and security agencies have reiterated that any information, no matter how small, could be crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The release of Judge Faruk Bunza serves as a reminder of the resilience of Nigeria’s judicial system and the collective responsibility to safeguard its members. The ongoing investigation and the cooperation between local and national security forces aim to restore safety and confidence in the rule of law across Kebbi State.
