Bandits Abduct High Court Judge From Residence

Suspected bandits have abducted a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, from his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The incident, which has been officially confirmed by the Kebbi State Police Command, occurred around midnight shortly after the judge returned home from a trip to neighbouring Sokoto State.

The Invasion

Justice Bunza had just arrived at his residence after returning from Sokoto State when a gang of heavily armed men stormed his home along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area.

According to reports from security authorities, family sources, and court officials, the attackers invaded the compound around midnight, firing sporadically into the air to create panic and prevent neighbours from intervening.

The Abduction

The gunmen reportedly forced their way into the judge’s residence and whisked him away to an unknown destination. Although the attack threw the neighbourhood into fear and confusion, no member of Justice Bunza’s family or household was physically harmed or abducted during the operation.

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Family members and neighbours immediately alerted security agencies and the leadership of the Kebbi State Judiciary after the assailants fled the scene.

Security and Judiciary Response

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, has deployed tactical, intelligence, and rescue teams to track down the kidnappers.

According to the police, security operatives have commenced intensive search operations, combing surrounding forests and suspected criminal hideouts in a bid to rescue the judge safely and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Senior officials of the Kebbi State High Court also described the incident as a disturbing development and a setback for the judiciary. Court management is said to be holding emergency consultations with security chiefs across the state to coordinate intelligence gathering and support ongoing rescue efforts.

The abduction has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed bandit groups have continued to target communities, travellers, traditional rulers, and public officials despite sustained security operations.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack, while search-and-rescue operations by security agencies remained ongoing.