Kidnappers free Niger electoral commissioner after 11 months

A commissioner with the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, Mohammed Wawa, is free after being held by kidnappers for about 11 months.

Mr Wawa is from Borgu Local Government Area. He was released in the Funtua area, near the border between Katsina and Zamfara states.

A family member said he was set free on Wednesday night after paying extra ransom to the kidnappers.

After his release, Mr Wawa shared his traumatic experience. He said he spent more than 300 days in captivity without a bath.

He explained that his captors only gave him one meal a day. This meal mostly consisted of corn flour and Miyan Kuka, a traditional soup from the north.

"The source of drinking water was the same as that of cows. We stayed in the midst of cattle, drinking the same water.

"Throughout my stay in captivity for over 300 days, I did not take a bath. So, when they handed me over to my family yesterday, the first thing I did was to take a one-hour bath. The experience was traumatising," the family member quoted him as saying.

The commissioner was kidnapped in September 2025 along the New Bussa, Ibbi road. He was on his way back from his hometown before local government elections.

The family said an initial ransom of ₦40 million was paid for his release. But the kidnappers held him until Wednesday, when they got additional money.

A family member mentioned that Mr Wawa's health showed the suffering he went through during his time in captivity. They called for thorough medical attention for him.

"Merely looking at the barrister, you will know that he has gone through a lot. He needs a comprehensive medical check-up," the source said.

The family thanked everyone who supported them during this hard time. They also prayed for others who are still held by kidnappers to find their way home.

Kidnapping by armed groups is still a big security issue in parts of Niger State. This is especially true along remote roads and communities close to other states.

The New Bussa, Ibbi corridor connects Niger State with nearby areas. It has faced security problems, putting travelers and residents at risk of being kidnapped.

Mr Wawa's long captivity shows the struggles families of kidnapping victims face. It also highlights the ongoing security worries along key roads in the state.

His release comes nearly a year after he was taken and amid ongoing calls for better security for residents and travelers.