Monday, December 15, 2025 - A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the
Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma
Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on
November 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on
November 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and
demanded a ransom of N50 million.
"It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped,
apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the
police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal
Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on
Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held
consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group
with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist
the police.
"The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which
were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the
kidnappers,” the sources said.
"They added that the hunters traced the victim and the
kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
"At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, the
hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying
any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang,
identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while
another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
Two other members of the gang were arrested and have
confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family,
was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the
incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the
kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria
Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the
successful rescue operation.
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