Kidnappers holding Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court have demanded a ₦200 million ransom for his release. Security agencies are now intensifying efforts to rescue the judge.

The latest development was disclosed on Monday by the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on the ongoing rescue operation.

According to the police commissioner, intelligence available to the command indicated that the abductors contacted the judge’s family and demanded ₦200 million before releasing him.

Hadejia also revealed that the kidnappers reached out to a registrar of the High Court in Abuja as part of efforts to negotiate the ransom.

He said the command had deployed tactical and intelligence operatives, alongside other security personnel, to comb forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers.

Checkpoints, Surveillance Boosted as Police Seek Public Help

The commissioner added that security had been reinforced through the establishment of checkpoints and intensified surveillance across strategic locations to prevent the abductors from moving the victim.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to the judge’s safe rescue and the arrest of those behind the abduction.

Hadejia urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.

He assured the public that the command remained committed to securing Justice Bunza’s freedom and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The police commissioner also advised residents, particularly public officials and other prominent individuals, to avoid unnecessary night travel due to prevailing security challenges.

He noted that such movements often expose travellers to attacks by criminal elements.

Justice Bunza’s abduction has drawn sharp attention to rising kidnapping risks for judicial officers and public officials in parts of northern Nigeria, where bandits and criminal gangs frequently target citizens for ransom.